To Promote Legal Awareness, Outreach in Takengon Emphasizes the Prohibition on Misuse of Air Rifles with Calibers Above 4.5 mm and Prevention of Hunting of Protected Wildlife

TAKENGON, October 2, 2025 – The Central Aceh Resort Police together with the Aceh Natural Forest and Environment Foundation (HAkA) held a socialization regarding the prohibition on the use of air rifles with a caliber above 4.5 mm and the prevention of hunting of protected animals in Takengon, Central Aceh.

The Head of the Central Aceh District Attorney’s Office, Sayid Muhammad, emphasized that many poaching problems arise from a lack of public awareness of applicable legal sanctions. “Ignorance is often the main factor in violations. Therefore, this outreach is very important,” he explained.

Meanwhile, HAkA Foundation representative Jehalim Bangun, S.H., M.H., Senior Manager of Legal & Advocacy, emphasized the important role of the community in conservation. HAkA is currently actively conducting similar outreach in several areas, such as South Aceh, East Aceh, and Gayo Lues. He also highlighted the importance of disseminating the MPU fatwa regarding the prohibition on killing and trading protected animals and the Police Regulation on the use of firearms.

“Through MPU Fatwa No. 3 of 2022, we see that wildlife conservation efforts are not only a legal obligation but also a moral and religious responsibility. With the legitimacy of the MPU Fatwa, it is hoped that the public will become more aware that protecting animals is part of worship and a mandate from Allah for His creation. Meanwhile, the Police Regulation strengthens law enforcement, so that religious values ​​and state regulations can work hand in hand in protecting biodiversity. It is hoped that the participants will become agents of information dissemination in their respective villages, so that messages about preventing the hunting of protected animals reach more people and foster collective community awareness,” he concluded.

The outreach included presentations on the use of air rifles, illegal wildlife trade, the impacts of illegal mining, and the dangers of drugs. It also included the distribution of campaign items, including stickers and posters to be displayed in several villages. More than 100 participants attended the event, including members of the community, the Central Aceh Police, the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), the Prosecutor’s Office, the Central Aceh Perbakin (Indonesian Wildlife Association), and other stakeholders. This event is expected to be a concrete step in strengthening legal awareness and public concern for Aceh’s wildlife conservation.