Indonesia increases protection for Padang Sugihan elephants

Indonesian Forestry Minister Raja Antoni has announced measures to protect elephants in the Padang Sugihan Wildlife Sanctuary in South Sumatra from the threat of forest and land fires. To prevent fires from reaching the sanctuary, ground forces are being increased, and firebreaks have already been established.

The protection strategy includes aerial water bombing, ground firefighting teams composed of the TNI, Polri, and Manggala Agni, and weather modification operations to encourage rainfall. The sanctuary currently houses 29 elephants, consisting of 13 males and 16 females. Minister Antoni emphasized that while extinguishing fires is critical, the protection of wildlife biodiversity remains a primary concern.