Jakarta, March 12 -- Indonesia's government is committed to protecting forests and charismatic wildlife, including the Sumatran elephant ( Elephas maximus sumatranus ), through habitat restoration programs in Sumatra, Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni said.

Speaking after opening an animal welfare event in Jakarta on Thursday, Antoni announced that reforestation is underway in Tesso Nilo National Park following the reclamation of land and the removal of illegal palm plantations.

"After decades, this is the first time the government, under President Prabowo Subianto, has taken concrete action to save Tesso Nilo National Park," he said, highlighting the long-standing struggle against illegal encroachment in the conservation area.

The mi...