Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s has started the development of the Peusangan Elephant Conservation Initiative (PECI) in Aceh, a major conservation project for Sumatran elephants, on 20,000 hectares of land donated by President Prabowo Subianto.
Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni confirmed the project during a recent visit to Takengon, Central Aceh. “The progress is remarkable. We are starting construction on what will be known as PECI Aceh, Peusangan Elephant Conservation Initiative. Several blocks will be designated to restore and protect elephant ecosystems,” Antoni told reporters on Thursday (June 19).
President Prabowo had previously donated 20,000 hectares of his private land for the conservation project. However, the minister noted that the area could be expanded up to 80,000 hectares.
“He has even offered up to 80,000 hectares, if needed. This increases the scope of work for partners like WWF, but also opens the door to managing the area as both a conservation zone and agroforestry region, potentially resolving human-elephant conflicts in Aceh,” Antoni said.
The Ministry of Forestry is also extending and expanding its memorandum of understanding with the United Kingdom. A new clause has been added to Article 2.1 of the MoU, focusing on “Strengthening elephant conservation in Peusangan, Aceh.” The agreement, originally set to expire on October 21, 2027, is now proposed to run through October 21, 2032.
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The UK reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Indonesia’s efforts to protect the Sumatran elephant. The initiative is part of a broader partnership focused on forests, nature, and biodiversity.
British Ambassador to Indonesia Dominic Jermey expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasizing the need for long-term collaboration.
“Aceh is home to elephants, tigers, and orangutans, all of which are still alive but unable to protect themselves. We must ensure long-term conservation schemes backed by sustained commitment, conservation that also uplifts local economies,” Jermey said.
Ambassador Jermey added that mobilizing funding to support Indonesia’s unique ecosystems and species is essential, not only for global biodiversity, but also for securing a more resilient and sustainable future for local communities and future generations.
(Raidi/Agung)
