Antoni noted that restoring these corridors is crucial to maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the sustainability of the endangered population.
The minister inspected the Sebanga and Minas elephant training centers in Riau during a visit focused on accelerating efforts to reintegrate habitats fragmented by deforestation and land conversion.
According to a press statement released Thursday, the inspections assessed infrastructure and conservation programs aimed at restoring safe migration paths between forest areas where elephant populations have become isolated.
Antoni previously visited the Sebanga Elephant Training Center on Nov. 29, 2025, where local residents raised concerns regarding limited land and inadequate facilities.
Following that visit, the minister instructed his office to improve conditions at the center to support better animal welfare and conservation management.
Several new facilities have since been completed at the Sebanga center, including a water reservoir, expanded feeding areas, and specialized enclosures for veterinary treatment.
Antoni said these improvements significantly increased the available space for elephants.
He pointed out that the grazing area at the Sebanga center has expanded to approximately 15 hectares, up from the single hectare previously reported by residents and observers.
Clean water facilities have also been installed, including storage tanks and a newly constructed reservoir.
Additionally, the ministry built treatment enclosures to assist with veterinary care for animals undergoing medical procedures or rehabilitation.
New feeding enrichment areas now cover about one hectare, planted with crops such as sugarcane, pineapples, and bananas.
After visiting Sebanga, Antoni continued his inspections at the Minas Elephant Training Center.
The government plans to bolster animal health facilities there, including the construction of a dedicated elephant clinic.
Antoni emphasized that the corridor restoration program will link Minas with surrounding habitats currently separated by forest loss.
He urged communities, conservation groups, and local authorities to support these efforts.
Restoring habitat connectivity is essential to reducing human-elephant conflict and allowing the animals to move safely across their traditional forest ranges.
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Translator: Arnidhya NZ, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Arie Novarina
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