Indonesia Ministry of Forestry targets illegal activities in Sumatran wildlife habitats

The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry has conducted enforcement operations to protect critical wildlife habitats in Sumatra. In Jambi, authorities detained two suspects involved in illegal logging within the Berbak and Sembilang National Park, a vital habitat for the Sumatran tiger. Investigators recovered chainsaws, a motorcycle, and evidence of timber extraction, noting that further investigations are underway to identify other participants.

In Bengkulu, a separate operation targeting illegal encroachment in the Teramang Production Forest—part of the Seblat Landscape and a key corridor for Sumatran elephants—led to the destruction of 627 oil palm trees and 22 work huts. During this operation, officials discovered mines and potentially hazardous chemical substances placed along elephant transit routes. The Ministry emphasized that securing these corridors is essential to prevent habitat fragmentation and ensure the safety of Sumatran elephants and other wildlife.