Enviro News Asia, Bener Meriah — The Ministry of Forestry held a Forestry Extension Workers Gathering with the theme “The Role of Forestry Extension in Elephant Conservation to Support the Peusangan Elephant Conservation Initiative (PECI).” The event, held at the Conservation Response Unit (CRU) of the Peusangan Watershed in Bener Meriah Regency, Aceh (September 24, 2025), was attended by 50 extension workers from various institutions.
Previously, Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni designated 98,000 hectares of industrial plantation forest in Takengon, Central Aceh, as an elephant conservation area. This designation demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting Sumatran elephants while addressing global demands for stronger endangered species conservation.
At the event, Member of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Khalid, emphasized the importance of synergy between the government, parliament, and society in conservation. He noted that the aspirations and challenges of extension workers must be heard to ensure swift and appropriate solutions.
Indra Exploitasia Semiawan, Head of the Human Resources Extension and Development Agency (BP2SDM), highlighted the strategic role of extension workers as the frontline of community empowerment. They serve as facilitators, educators, and companions who must collaborate across sectors. This aligns with President Prabowo’s vision to realize sustainable forests and prosperous communities.
Through BP2SDM, the Ministry of Forestry has deployed dozens of extension workers to strengthen their role in assisting communities implementing PECI. The program focuses not only on conservation but also integrates social, cultural, and local economic aspects.
The empowerment of Forest Farmer Groups (KTH) through social forestry schemes is part of the PECI strategy. In this way, elephant conservation goes hand in hand with improving the welfare of forest-edge communities. The PECI program is expected to become a model of collaborative conservation, reinforcing Indonesia’s image as a nation committed to protecting tropical forests and endemic wildlife, particularly the Sumatran elephant. (*)
