Jakarta, Sept. 24 -- The Forestry Ministry reclaimed approximately 300 hectares of land, destroyed hundreds of oil palm trees, and discovered landmines in Teramang Production Forest, Bengkulu, part of the Seblat Landscape elephant corridor.

Hari Novianto, head of the ministry's Law Enforcement Agency for the Sumatra Region, said a joint operation conducted Sept. 10-16 resulted in the destruction of 627 oil palm trees and the demolition of 22 work huts.

Additionally, the team installed 11 prohibition signs and discovered landmines and materials suspected of containing hazardous chemicals along a path used by Sumatran elephants ( Elephas maximus sumatranus ).

"After reclaiming the area, we must ensure it is not occupied again. We are als...