Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – The Minister of Environment of the Republic of Indonesia, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, conducted a direct working visit to Tesso Nilo National Park in Pelalawan Regency, Riau Province.
This visit is part of a national commitment to restore the critically endangered lowland tropical forest ecosystem of Sumatra, while also protecting the habitat of endemic wildlife species such as Sumatran elephants and tigers.
The restoration of the Tesso Nilo National Park ecosystem is being led directly by the Minister of Environment, along with the Forest Area Control Task Force (PKH Task Force).
This team operates based on the official report titled “Handover of Reclaimed Forest Areas” issued by the Attorney General of the Republic of Indonesia on July 9, 2025. The handover follows up on directives from the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia, who serves as Chief Advisor of the PKH Task Force.
The restoration process is being carried out collaboratively, involving the military and police (TNI/Polri), local governments, indigenous communities, academics, and environmental organizations.
“This working visit aims to understand the actual conditions on the ground. Restoration is not just about planting trees, but about reorganizing life itself,” stated Minister Hanif at Sultan Syarif Kasim II Airport, Pekanbaru, on Saturday (July 13, 2025).
An aerial survey conducted with Riau Governor Abdul Wahid and Pelalawan Regent Zukri revealed that approximately 70,000 hectares of Tesso Nilo National Park have been converted into oil palm plantations.
In response, the government emphasized that the restoration approach will be persuasive and just. The rights of long-settled communities will be respected, but legal action will be taken against illegal activities that damage the park.
“We recognize that people have long lived and developed cultures in the area. Therefore, our approach will be collaborative and equitable,” stressed Minister Hanif in his official statement.
The local community welcomed the restoration program, with the condition that legal certainty and livelihood guarantees are provided. The restoration will also create job opportunities through labor-intensive models, the replanting of endemic species, and community-based patrols that empower local residents. (*)
