Peaceful Protest at the North Sumatra High Prosecutor’s Office: A Call for Stronger Orangutan and Forest Conservation Efforts

On Monday, September 4, 2023, a coalition of conservation organizations gathered for a peaceful protest outside the North Sumatra High Prosecutor’s Office. FORINA, alongside the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Forum (FOKUS), Orangutan Information Centre (YSOL-OIC), WALHI North Sumatra, Green Justice Indonesia, Centre for Orangutan Protection, Yayasan PETAI, and Yayasan Tangguh Hutan Khatulistiwa, voiced their deep concerns about the survival of orangutans and the future of Sumatra’s forest ecosystems.

Why This Protest Matters

This protest was a direct response to the lenient sentence given to Terbit Rencana Perangin-angin, an individual involved in environmental crimes. As a public official, Perangin-angin had a responsibility to uphold environmental conservation laws and protect nature. However, the light sentence handed down reflects the ongoing challenges of enforcing environmental laws in Indonesia. The protestors fear that such a decision could set a dangerous precedent, weakening future conservation efforts and eroding the rule of law for wildlife protection.

The Importance of Orangutans to the Ecosystem

Orangutans are not only a species in need of protection, but also vital pillars of the forest ecosystem. Known as the “gardeners of the forest,” orangutans play a crucial role in dispersing seeds and promoting forest regeneration. Even a small decline in their population—just 1%—can disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Without orangutans, the regeneration of forests would be hindered, ultimately affecting all species dependent on these habitats, including humans.

Additionally, orangutans are considered an umbrella species. Protecting them means safeguarding numerous other species that share their environment. The loss of orangutans would have far-reaching consequences, further destabilizing an already fragile ecosystem and exacerbating the ongoing environmental degradation.

A Call for Stronger Law Enforcement

The peaceful protest was a demand for stronger law enforcement in cases of environmental crimes. This action represents not just a fight for justice for nature, but also for the rights of future generations who deserve to inherit healthy and sustainable forests. Enforcing strict environmental laws is a crucial step in ensuring the protection of orangutans and the preservation of Sumatra’s forests.