Pekanbaru, Riau, March 5 -- Indonesia is preparing a presidential instruction to safeguard the endangered Sumatran elephant, as shrinking and fragmented habitats threaten the species' survival, Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni said during a visit to Pekanbaru on Thursday.

Antoni noted that elephant habitat pockets in Sumatra have drastically declined-from 44 previously to just 11 by late 2024-largely due to illegal forest practices that isolate populations.

"The policy will focus on reconnecting fragmented corridors for Sumatran elephants. Restoring these corridors is crucial to maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the sustainability of the population," he said.

The minister stressed that the Sumatran elephant population, esti...