Forestry Ministry Coordinates with Police Over Tapir Death in Mesuji

The Ministry of Forestry is continuing to coordinate with the Indonesian National Police regarding the death of a tapir (Tapirus indicus) in Mesuji Regency, Lampung, and will strengthen public awareness and protection efforts for the endangered species. In a statement confirmed from Jakarta on Friday, the Director General of Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Forestry, Dwi Januanto Nugroho, said the ministry expressed deep concern over the incident, as the loss of an individual from a threatened species represents a major blow to biodiversity and ecosystem balance. “Regarding the successful uncovering of the tapir’s death by the Mesuji Resort Police, the Ministry of Forestry expresses its appreciation and has requested the Region III KSDA Section Lampung and the Sumatra Forestry Law Enforcement Office to continue coordinating with the police to complete the legal process,” Januanto stated. Januanto confirmed that the ministry, through its Directorate General of Law Enforcement and Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation, is paying serious attention and responding firmly to the death of the tapir, which is one of Indonesia’s iconic protected wild animals. In addition to being protected, the tapir is also listed as an endangered species by the IUCN. The existence of tapirs continues to face real and alarming threats, particularly due to the disturbance of their natural habitat. He also stressed the need to accelerate efforts to protect and restore wildlife habitats. He expressed hope that such a regrettable incident in Mesuji would not be repeated in the future, noting that community participation is key to preserving wildlife. In this regard, he urged all levels of society who encounter protected wildlife, whether in a threatened, injured, or displaced condition, to immediately report and contact the local Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) office or use the official call centre services available at each BKSDA office so that the animals can be evacuated and handled properly by authorised officers. A video previously circulated on social media showing a tapir appearing on a road in the Mesuji Regency area of Lampung. However, before it could be evacuated by the Bengkulu-Lampung BKSDA, the animal was reportedly killed and cooked by several individuals.