A good working relationship between government organisation, the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) in North Sumatra, and local Non-Government Organisations (NGO's) has saved 4 endangered Siamang gibbons (Symphalangus syndactylus) which are protected by Indonesian law and regulations. This BKSDA, which currently led by a woman, Dr. Hotmauli Sianturi, M.Sc., positively utilised result of NGO investigation and reports which helped BKSDA in rescuing the four animals from illegal captivity in Mandailing Natal regency of North Sumatra province.
The Sumatran Rainforest Institute (SRI) and Scorpion Foundation carried out a joint investigation of illegal captive animals in North Sumatra recently and found 6 Siamang gibbons in various places in Mandailing Natal. Results from the investigation were reported by Scorpion Foundation to the Head of BKSDA North Sumatra on 15th of April 2016. The report was taken seriously and positively by the BKSDA. This government agency invited Scorpion Foundation and SRI to go together with its Forest Police Rapid Response Unit (SPORC)-Brigade Macan Tutul (Leopard Brigade) to confiscate the siamang gibbons. Scorpion could not participate in the confiscation due to other planned activities, but SRI and Scorpion closely exchanged information of the development of the confiscation mission which took place from 3rd to 4th of May 2016. The siamang gibbons are now placed at the Animal Transit Center of SRI in Panyabungan.
This is a positive development of BKSDA-NGO relationship in North Sumatra. Such harmonious relationship between BKSDA and the NGOs is believed
to be able to provide positive impact to the wildlife. This is
also a good model of working relationship between government agency and
NGO’s to prevent disappearing of the Indonesian wildlife.
Confiscation of the 4 Siamang gibbons in Mandailing Natal, North Sumatra province.
Photo: SRI
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