Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — The Government of Indonesia, through the Ministry of Forestry, has intensified protection of the Seblat Landscape by carrying out the Merah Putih Joint Operation to curb forest encroachment, enforce the law, and restore affected areas. The operation targets one of Sumatra’s most critical elephant habitats and aims to safeguard ecological integrity while ensuring sustained conservation outcomes.
The Seblat Landscape spans 151,080.96 hectares and supports an estimated population of 15 wild Sumatran elephants. It connects with the Seblat–Air Teramang–Air Rami habitat complex and overlaps with several licensed activities, including natural forest utilization permits, ecosystem restoration concessions, oil palm plantations, and mining permits. Authorities focus enforcement on preventing illegal activities that threaten habitat connectivity and ecosystem stability.
During a field visit on Thursday, December 11, 2025, Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni affirmed the government’s firm commitment to protecting the area. He stated that Seblat constitutes a strategic landscape for Sumatran elephant conservation and emphasized that the state will not tolerate forest destruction, while law enforcement will remain firm and consistent.
As of December 10, 2025, the joint operation recorded tangible results. Enforcement teams identified approximately 8,500 hectares of encroached land and reclaimed around 7,790 hectares. Officers dismantled 113 illegal huts, destroyed about 17,200 oil palm trees, demolished six illegal bridges, secured two heavy machines, issued three investigation warrants, and detained 12 suspects, including three who remain in custody.
The minister underscored that the operation targets not only individuals on the ground but also broader encroachment networks. He said authorities will pursue all actors involved and ensure that no party considers itself above the law.
During the visit, the minister conveyed appreciation and moral support to members of the Merah Putih Task Force deployed in the field. He acknowledged their dedication and stressed that protecting forests equates to safeguarding national sovereignty, urging personnel to sustain performance and maintain health.
The government has also reinforced protection of the Seblat–Air Teramang–Air Rami Elephant Corridor, covering 2,217 hectares and extending 53 kilometers. The corridor serves as essential ecological infrastructure that enables safe movement for wild elephants across the landscape.
Minister Raja Juli Antoni highlighted that elephant corridors function as lifelines for wildlife and that disruption would endanger population survival. He emphasized shared responsibility among stakeholders to preserve corridor continuity.
Following the operation, the Ministry of Forestry has prepared ecosystem recovery measures, including revegetation of open and previously encroached areas, reconnection of wildlife movement routes, routine patrol enhancements, and boundary regulation in priority zones. The ministry positions these steps as part of a long-term program to ensure sustained restoration and protection. (*)
