Aceh is undeniably to be the region with the largest numbers of Sumatran elephant population on Sumatra Island. Deforestation in some areas bordering Gunung Leuser National Park that have become home to Sumatran elephants (Elephas maximus sumatranus) is also seriously impacted. Until today, since December 2022, what we have learned from massive hidden deforestation in Aceh has shocked us at how deforestation is still going on over and over.
Poverty, lack of jobs, and limited human resources have become the main trigger of deforestation in Aceh and the surrounding areas of Gunung Leuser National Park. The ongoing palm oil expansion in this region occurred due to the pressure demands of the local community for jobs and livelihoods.
“Aceh’s wildlife and forest crimes and other illegal activities have made it clear that there is a human population mobilized to live inside an area that is supposed to be fixed as a wildlife habitat. As we could see why deforestation and degradation of protected forests such as buffer zone are still going on. So, who should take accountability in this case?” Bobi Handoko (Founder of SUMECO).
SUMECO, which is only financially supported by the ecotourism revenues it generates, has launched the ecotourism concept in numerous locations with a strong commitment while not ignoring law enforcement for those who commit crimes. Since its inception, SUMECO has made it a priority to collaborate with Gunung Leuser National Park to safeguard the biodiversity of the Leuser.
The monsoon season dictates the tight migration routes that the Sumatran elephant follows. Males live alone, whereas females wander and congregate in groups, caring for one another. The movements of the groups will be guided by the collective decisions made by the participants; psychological factors are key to this movement. Sumatran elephants, like other elephant species, are sociable creatures that require huge tracts of land with ample food and shelter for populations to thrive.
Tenggulun and Halaban are two connected regions to the Gunung Leuser National Park, well-known to be the entry points for illegal loggers and hunters. Based on my inspection of the ground, I have seen the illegal loggers and hunters with my own eyes inside and outside the Gunung Leuser National Park.