Forestry Minister Plans Steel Fence at Way Kambas to Prevent Elephants Entering Villages

Forestry Minister (Menhut) Raja Juli Antoni announced that his ministry will construct steel fences and canals fortifying Way Kambas National Park (TN Way Kambas) in Lampung.

Raja Juli stated that the fence construction around Way Kambas National Park will utilise funding assistance from President Prabowo Subianto.

“The President has decided to provide presidential assistance funds for constructing fences or canals to fortify the boundary between Way Kambas National Park and the villages situated along the National Park,” Raja Juli said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, 12 March.

Raja Juli noted that the steel fence is currently undergoing trial and comprehensive study stages. He said his ministry has learnt from African and Indian nations in managing their national parks.

“There will likely be embankments in some locations, but there will also be very strong steel fences. Currently, they are being tested for strength. Along this embankment, there will also be community empowerment centres,” he explained.

Furthermore, Raja Juli stated that his ministry will also establish honeybee farming centres at multiple locations outside the boundary fence of Way Kambas National Park.

According to him, this initiative aims to protect nature whilst ensuring economic growth for surrounding communities.

Raja Juli said the steel fence construction is also intended to prevent elephants from Way Kambas National Park from entering neighbouring settlements.

“A few months ago, a village head was trampled to death by an elephant as it attempted to cross villages, residential areas, and agricultural land,” he said.