Appreciation for Government’s Efforts to Save Tesso Nilo National Park from Illegal Activities
By: Silvia A.P.*
Tesso Nilo National Park (TNTN) in Riau Province is one of Indonesia’s most strategically important conservation areas for preserving biodiversity. Spanning over 80,000 hectares, the park is a critical habitat for numerous species of flora and fauna, including the endangered Sumatran elephant. However, for years, this ecologically valuable area has faced serious threats from various illegal activities—such as forest encroachment, illegal logging, unauthorized land clearing for plantations, and the poaching of protected wildlife.
Given the urgent need to rescue this increasingly endangered conservation zone, the Indonesian government, through various ministries and agencies, has undertaken significant efforts to save Tesso Nilo from further degradation. These efforts reflect not only a strong commitment to environmental protection but also real cross-sectoral synergy among law enforcement, local governments, and forestry authorities to safeguard this invaluable national heritage.
Muhammad Rahul, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the Gerindra Party and Head of Commission III, voiced full support for the firm actions taken by the Riau Regional Police Chief in protecting TNTN from illegal encroachments and unauthorized land occupation. Through the Forest Area Task Force (Satgas PKH), enforcement actions began on June 10, 2025, targeting 81,793 hectares within the park, including areas long occupied without permits—such as Toro Jaya and Lubuk Kembang Bunga in Pelalawan Regency.
Regarding the residents affected by the operation, Rahul appreciated the government’s firm stance and emphasized the importance of humane and just relocation solutions. He stated that affected communities must be provided with decent living alternatives.
Riau Police Chief, Inspector General Herry Heryawan, highlighted that TNTN is a critical habitat for Sumatran elephants, whose survival is increasingly threatened by illegal palm oil expansion and massive deforestation. He also stressed that the state must defend the rights of voiceless living beings.
In line with this, the Indonesian Elephant Conservation Forum (FKGI) has called for immediate actions to rescue and restore the Sumatran elephant’s habitat within TNTN. The forest serves as the largest remaining habitat for this species in Riau, but is now under heavy pressure from land-use changes, encroachment, and escalating human-wildlife conflict. The government is currently addressing these challenges in stages.
Donny Gunaryadi, Chair of FKGI, emphasized that Sumatran elephants are ecologically vital—not only for biodiversity but also as indicators of forest ecosystem health. Losing elephants in Tesso Nilo would mean losing the ecological balance. He reiterated the government’s serious commitment to protecting the species. Dewa Gumay, FKGI’s Advocacy and Policy Coordinator, added that the key to conservation success lies in multi-stakeholder collaboration, including stronger policies, law enforcement, and empowerment of local communities.
Beyond ecological recovery programs, the government is actively implementing community empowerment approachesaround the national park. Communities previously dependent on unsustainable practices like forest encroachment are gradually being guided toward eco-friendly alternative livelihoods. Programs such as agroforestry, non-timber forest product cultivation, and community-based ecotourism are being developed to promote sustainable income without harming forest ecosystems.
A notable step forward is the consolidation of Tesso Nilo’s land management. For years, weak oversight and overlapping land claims created loopholes exploited by irresponsible parties. To tackle this, the government is reinforcing the park’s status by clarifying its boundaries through participatory mapping, involving indigenous communities, local stakeholders, and regional governments to ensure fair and legal land-use arrangements.
Policy support is also being strengthened by integrating conservation management with regional development plans. Local governments are now encouraged to make conservation a priority within sustainable development agendas, as reflected in updated spatial planning that no longer sacrifices conservation zones for mere economic expansion.
The government also deserves praise for its commitment to protecting key species in Tesso Nilo, particularly the Sumatran elephant. Various conflict mitigation programs have been implemented, including the construction of elephant trenches, installation of early warning systems, and training for local villagers in conflict management. These initiatives not only help save wildlife from being killed or poisoned but also protect local residents, promoting harmonious coexistence.
Altogether, these measures demonstrate that efforts to save Tesso Nilo National Park are not being carried out sporadically, but through a holistic and structured approach. In a global context where many countries are struggling to protect their primary forests, Indonesia is showing strong political will to restore Tesso Nilo as one of the world’s remaining green lungs.
*) The author is a member of the editorial board of the Ideas Student Press Institute (LPM Ideas).
