Forest Pigs Destroy Crops, Bambang Soesatyo Promotes Controlled Hunting

BANTEN - Member of the Indonesian Parliament Bambang Soesatyo (Bamsoet) assessed that the hunting of wild boars needs to be controlled to help farmers whose land is damaged and threatened with crop failure.

Bamsoet said that the disturbance of wild boars has become a recurring problem in a number of areas, especially agricultural areas bordering forest areas.

"Hunting wild boars is a real response to the unrest of farmers who have been facing a real threat from the increasing population of wild boars," said Bamsoet after hunting with the Jalu Hunter Club and the General Chairman of Perbakin Banten, Inspector General of Police Nunung Syaifuddin in Malingping, Lebak, Banten, Friday night (22/5).

According to Bamsoet, damage to crops due to wild pigs not only hit farmers' incomes. The impact could also disrupt the food supply chain.

He said that wild pigs are easy to breed and able to adapt to environmental changes. In large numbers, the animals can damage rice, corn, cassava, and horticultural crops in just a few nights.

"When farmers have spent money on seeds, fertilizers, labor and wait for months to harvest, then the results are damaged in just a few nights due to attacks by wild boars, we cannot be silent," he said.

Bamsoet emphasized that hunting must be carried out periodically, professionally, and in accordance with conservation and safety rules. According to him, this step needs to give people a sense of security, not to be a random activity.

He also encouraged local governments and related communities to prepare long-term steps. Among them are mapping areas prone to animal conflicts, citizen reporting systems, monitoring agricultural land, and education on habitat management.

"The ultimate goal is to reduce public anxiety, keep crops safe, increase agricultural productivity, and ensure farmers can enjoy the fruits of their labor," said Bamsoet.