Jakarta/New Delhi: Indonesia is set to strengthen its wildlife health and conservation facilities through a partnership between the country’s Forestry Ministry, Vantara and Indonesian wildlife organisation PT Fauna Land Group. The programme comes as the country faces habitat loss and a shrinking range for some of its most threatened species, including the Sumatran elephant.
The cooperation covers veterinary support, infrastructure, technical assistance and training for people involved in wildlife management. An animal ambulance was also identified as an immediate requirement at the Way Kambas facility. The need for such facilities can be seen in the condition of the Sumatran elephant.
Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni announced the programme at a news conference in Jakarta on August 24. The first phase will include training for wildlife personnel, 10 mobile hospitals for animals and an upgrade of the Way Kambas Elephant Hospital in Lampung. In December 2025, the Forestry Ministry said Vantara would help revitalise the elephant hospital at Way Kambas and potentially support similar facilities elsewhere in Sumatra. WWF estimates that only about 2,400 to 2,800 Sumatran elephants are left, and the species is classified as critically endangered. Indonesia’s Forestry Ministry has also said elephant habitat pockets in Sumatra have fallen from more than 40 to about 21.
Way Kambas is an important habitat for the species. Indonesia is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries. A recent study estimated its elephant population at between 144 and 225 animals, while earlier DNA-based research by the Wildlife Conservation Society estimated 247 elephants in the park in 2010. Research published by its National Research and Innovation Agency says the country accounts for about 12% of the world’s mammals, 16% of reptiles, 17% of birds, 25% of fish and 10% of plants, despite covering only about 1.3% of the earth’s land area.
Upgraded Elephant Care Facility to Enhance Health Support
The Way Kambas Elephant Hospital is set to be transformed into an advanced Elephant Treatment and Care Centre. This upgrade will introduce new equipment, tools, and technologies aimed at improving the health and care of elephants. The facility will cater to 62 Sumatran elephants currently under human care, while also providing support to nearly 100 wild Sumatran elephants in the surrounding area.
