Ministry of Forestry Policy Supported, Infrastructure Urged to Protect Elephant Corridors

The Indonesian Elephant Conservation Forum (FKGI) supports the move by Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni to push for the protection of elephant populations and habitats through Presidential Instruction (Inpres) Number 8 of 2026. The organisation believes this policy must be accompanied by a change in infrastructure development methods to be more wildlife-friendly. FKGI Chairman Doni Gunaryadi stated that every development project near elephant habitats must consider the connectivity of the animals’ roaming areas from the outset to avoid severing natural elephant corridors. “On the national infrastructure development side, FKGI views that every construction of roads, toll roads, energy networks, dams, and other strategic projects that cross or are adjacent to elephant habitats needs to accommodate the principle of ecological connectivity from the planning stage,” Doni said. He argued that national strategic projects can proceed alongside conservation efforts if they take into account the spatial needs of wildlife. Therefore, FKGI urges that the provision of wildlife corridors or crossings becomes an inseparable part of every development plan. “The provision of wildlife corridors, crossings, corridor protection zones, speed regulations, early warning systems, and various other forms of mitigation must be an integral part of development planning,” he stated. Doni acknowledged that implementing this policy will not be easy, as many elephant pockets are already squeezed by development areas and economic activities. “There will be significant challenges because the current elephant pockets are already overlapping with other development sectors. The challenge of creating sufficient space and corridors for wildlife while ensuring development continues will require intensive coordination and mutual respect among interests,” he said. He assessed that cross-ministerial coordination, along with local governments, businesses, and communities, is key to ensuring national development proceeds without sacrificing elephant habitat. Previously, President Prabowo Subianto issued Presidential Instruction Number 8 of 2026 on the Rescue of Sumatran and Kalimantan Elephant Populations and Habitats. This policy serves as a basis for various ministries and agencies to integrate elephant habitat protection into every development policy.