Protecting Our Wildlife: Raising Awareness of the Dangers of Airgun Abuse in East Aceh 2024

“Wildlife protection is a shared responsibility”

The socialization event held at East Aceh District Police on 7 May 2024 was very successful. Participants consisting of village heads, community leaders, village security officers, and representatives from 18 villages and 10 sub-districts in East Aceh actively asked questions and shared experiences.

The socialization activity, which took place on 07 May 2024 at the East Aceh Police Station, was opened by the Deputy Chief of East Aceh Police, Kompol Iswar, S.H., who strongly emphasized the importance of preserving wildlife. He said that the misuse of air rifles has threatened the survival of various species in East Aceh, especially protected animals such as orangutans and Sumatran tigers. As a resource person, drh. Taing Lubis from BKSDA Aceh presented the latest data showing a decline in animal populations due to poaching. She also explained the importance of maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the East Aceh MPU, Tgk. H. Mukhtar Ibrahim , providing a religious perspective regarding the importance of preserving nature.

In a lively discussion forum, participants consisting of keuchiks, tuha peut, bhabinkamtibmas, and mukim from 18 villages and 10 mukim in East Aceh, actively asked questions and shared experiences. This activity resulted in several important agreements, including: increasing joint patrols to prevent poaching, forming community-based tourism awareness groups to manage conservation areas, and strengthening the role of religious leaders in campaigning for animal conservation.

This socialization activity is a good first step in the effort to conserve wildlife in East Aceh. Let us together preserve nature for future generations.