Prabowo Prepares Presidential Aid Fund for Way Kambas Fence
President Prabowo Subianto has approved a presidential aid fund for the construction of fences at Way Kambas National Park in Lampung. Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni announced this decision was made to address recurring conflicts between wildlife and humans in the region.
The announcement was made by Raja Juli following a limited meeting with Prabowo at the Presidential Palace on Thursday, 12 March 2026. Prabowo, according to Raja Juli, has demonstrated concern for the conservation of Indonesian wildlife.
“He has decided to allocate presidential aid funds to construct fences or canals that will separate Way Kambas National Park from villages and settlements along the park’s perimeter,” Raja Juli stated on Thursday afternoon.
Raja Juli disclosed that Prabowo initially was prepared to allocate 2 trillion rupiah for the construction of fences and restoration of the ecosystem in Way Kambas. However, based on calculations, the government could reduce the figure below 1 trillion rupiah. “But we are studying this and implementing efficiency measures, and it appears the maximum amount needed is approximately 839 billion rupiah,” he explained.
According to Raja Juli, conflicts between wildlife and humans have persisted for decades. Wild elephants frequently emerge from the national park and attempt to enter areas occupied by residents.
“Recently, just a few months ago, a village chief was trampled by an elephant as it attempted to pass through or cross villages, housing areas, and agricultural land, resulting in the death of a village chief,” Raja Juli stated.
According to the General Secretary of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), the fencing project is already in the testing and comprehensive study phase. The comparative study phase is based on experiences from African countries and India in managing national parks.
“It is likely there will be embankments in certain locations, but there will also be very strong steel fences. We are currently testing their strength,” Raja Juli said.
Additionally, the government plans to develop community empowerment centres along the embankments. “For instance, in some areas outside the fence, this could also serve as a centre for beekeeping and honey production, where nature is protected, wildlife is protected, and it will also benefit the economic growth of the local community,” Raja Juli explained.