"These electric fences have been installed in various areas across Aceh province where conflicts between wildlife, particularly elephants, and local communities have occurred," Aceh BKSDA head Ujang Wisnu Barata said in Banda Aceh on Wednesday.
"The total length of installed fencing is now 82 kilometers," he added.
He informed that the fencing has been installed not only by the BKSDA but also through partnerships and community self-help initiatives, with third-party installations coordinated with the agency.
The electric fences have been set up in several districts, including Pidie, Bener Meriah, Aceh Jaya, East Aceh, Central Aceh, Bireuen, and West Aceh.
He said that the fences deliver a low-voltage electric current of 10 to 20 volts, which is designed to deter animals without causing fatalities, effectively preventing them from approaching the wires.
"This is unlike high-voltage electric wires, which can kill animals, as tragically occurred with an elephant in Aceh Jaya Regency some time ago. Therefore, we urge the public not to use high-voltage wires to deter wildlife," he added.
Barata said that the BKSDA continues to advocate for the use of low-voltage electric fences, which have shown significant success.
"Evidence from several areas where these fences have been installed shows a considerable decrease, and in some cases, the complete elimination of negative interactions between wild animals, like elephants, and the community," he added.
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Reporter: M.Haris Setiady Agus, Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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