The ministry's Head of Human Resources Extension and Development Agency (BP2SDM), Indra Exploitasia Semiawan, said here on Friday that the Forestry Minister had designated a portion of the 98,000-hectare industrial forest plantation area in Takengon, Aceh Tengah, as a conservation area for Sumatran elephants (Elephas maximus sumatrensis).
"The strategic role of instructors is at the forefront of community empowerment. Instructors act as facilitators, educators, and mentors, working collaboratively with various stakeholders," he said.
"This is in line with President Prabowo's vision to create sustainable forests and a prosperous society," he added.
To support the role of instructors, the ministry through BP2SDM held a Forestry Instructors Meeting at the Conservation Response Unit (CRU) of Peusangan Watershed, Bener Meriah, Aceh, on Thursday.
The meeting was attended by 50 instructors from various agencies to support the initiative.
Through BP2SDM, the Forestry Ministry deployed dozens of instructors to strengthen their role in assisting communities implementing the initiative.
Semiawan said the program not only focuses on conservation, but also integrates local social, cultural, and economic aspects.
Empowering Forest Farmer Groups (KTH) through social forestry schemes is part of PECI's strategy. This way, elephant conservation aligns with improving the welfare of communities surrounding forests.
"With the vision of Sustainable Forests, Protected Elephants, and Prosperous Communities, PECI Program is expected to become a model for conservation collaboration that strengthens Indonesia's image as a country committed to protecting tropical forests and endemic wildlife, particularly the Sumatran elephant," Semiawan said.
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Translator: Prisca Triferna Violleta, Katriana
Editor: Arie Novarina
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