JAKARTA | INDATANEWS.COM ~ Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is preparing a Presidential Instruction (Inpres) aimed at protecting the population and habitats of the Sumatran elephant and Bornean elephant. The policy is seen as a strategic step to strengthen wildlife conservation efforts across Indonesia.
Indonesia's Forestry Minister
Raja Juli Antoni said the directive reflects the president's strong commitment to protecting wildlife, particularly elephants, which are among the country's most iconic species.
Speaking after a meeting with President Prabowo at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday (March 12, 2026), Raja Juli said the upcoming Presidential Instruction will specifically focus on safeguarding both the elephant populations and their natural habitats.
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Prabowo Subianto—according to many conservation activists—is the president in Indonesia's history who has shown the strongest commitment to environmental conservation," he said.
Strong Government Commitment to Conservation
Raja Juli noted that many national and international conservation activists have welcomed the Indonesian government's efforts to protect wildlife and national parks.
According to him, conservation groups view President Prabowo's leadership as a sign that biodiversity protection is becoming an increasingly important national priority.
"I have met many international and Indonesian conservation activists, and they appreciate these efforts very much. They say President Prabowo is the president who cares the most about protecting Indonesia's wildlife and national parks," he added.
Shrinking Elephant Habitats Raise Concern
The forestry minister also highlighted the alarming decline in elephant habitats across the country.
Previous scientific records identified around 42 elephant habitat areas in Indonesia. However, reviews conducted during his tenure found that only about 21 of those habitats remain.
The sharp decline indicates a serious threat to the survival of elephants in the wild.
"Without serious government intervention, the destruction of these habitats will be inevitable. As a result, elephant populations—one of Indonesia's protected and iconic species—could face the risk of extinction in the long term," Raja Juli warned.
Presidential Directive to Save Elephant PopulationsRaja Juli emphasized that although President Prabowo personally has a strong interest in elephants, the planned policy is not driven by personal preference but by the urgent need to protect an endangered species.
Through the Presidential Instruction, several ministries will be directed to support the Forestry Ministry in implementing programs to protect and restore elephant populations.
"The Inpres will instruct related ministries to support the Forestry Ministry in rescuing and conserving elephant populations in Indonesia," he said. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Darmailawati