Personnel Increased at South Sumatra Elephant Conservation Area to Anticipate Forest Fires
Personnel at the Padang Sugihan Wildlife Sanctuary (SM) are being increased to anticipate the threat of forest and land fires (Karhutla) within the elephant conservation area.
The Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, stated that the reinforcement of ground troops is being carried out to prevent fires from approaching the sanctuary located in South Sumatra.
“What is most feasible at this time is to remain here while reinforcing ground troops to prevent fires from approaching the Padang Suguhan sanctuary,” he said after inspecting the site on Thursday (17/9).
He explained that the Jalur 21 Elephant Conservation Centre (PKG) within the Padang Sugihan sanctuary houses 29 elephants, consisting of 13 males and 16 females.
In addition to the increase in personnel, Raja Juli mentioned that the Padang Sugihan sanctuary area already features firebreaks created by officers to prevent fire spread. Consequently, he assessed that the current situation remains relatively safe.
Nevertheless, he noted that fire management around the sanctuary area is ongoing, including aerial firefighting via water bombing aircraft.
“Meanwhile, ground-based firefighting involves a joint force of TNI (National Armed Forces), Polri (National Police), and the Ministry of Forestry’s Manggala Agni. Weather Modification Operations (OMC) will also be maximised by utilising rainfall potential,” he added.
Furthermore, he stated that the protection of conservation areas is a serious priority due to their extraordinary biodiversity. Therefore, he emphasised that the protection of wildlife is equally vital.
He noted that the Padang Sugihan sanctuary represents one of the largest elephant landscapes or pockets in Sumatra.
Based on current data, there is a population of at least 130 wild elephants, with 29 residing in that specific area. Thus, preventing forest fires from approaching the conservation area is a crucial part of maintaining elephant habitats.
“While fighting the fires is important, it is equally vital to protect our wildlife, which is an extraordinary wealth that we must protect together,” he concluded.