The Human-Elephant Conflict In Aceh Happens Almost Every Day And It's Because Their Habitat Is Destroyed

Photo by AJ Robbie on Unsplash

JAKARTA - The Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) said that elephant-human conflicts in a number of areas in Aceh occur almost every day.

Head of the Conservation Section for Region I BKSDA Aceh Kamarudzaman in Banda Aceh, Tuesday, July 19, said the conflict occurred because the habitat of the protected animals was disturbed and damaged.

"Conflicts or disturbances of elephants against humans occur almost every day in Aceh. This happens because the forest area which is a protected wild habitat has been damaged or disturbed and has changed its function," said Kamarudzaman.

Kamarudzaman said the elephant population in Aceh Province is estimated at 500 to 600 individuals. Areas where elephant-human conflicts often occur include Pidie District, Bener Meriah District, and East Aceh District.

In Pidie Regency, said Kamarudzaman, conflicts between elephants and humans occurred in 65 villages spread over 11 sub-districts. The conflict is still ongoing.

"We continue to try to overcome the elephant conflict in Pidie Regency. However, because the habitat has been damaged, it is increasingly difficult to handle it. However, we continue to try, at least to prevent the death of the protected animal," said Kamarudzaman.

Kamarudzaman said elephants are key animals in Aceh. Elephants in Aceh are protected wildlife that are threatened with extinction. Apart from the conflict, elephants are also the target of hunting.

In many areas in Aceh, said Kamarudzaman, forest areas that were previously habitat for elephants have now turned into oil palm plantations. Not a few elephants are trapped in the plantation.

"Like in North Aceh Regency, we don't know where to lead the elephant herd anymore because the forest area has been turned into oil palm plantations. And this has an impact on the emergence of elephant-human conflicts," said Kamarudzaman.