Sumatranorangutan

Boundary signage and billboards installed in Pinang Sori, Central Tapanuli, to prevent further destruction of orangutan habitat

The signage and billboards were installed along the boundary of Batang Toru forest in three sub-villages (Toga Basir, Adian Burjau, and Aek Gambir Sirere) of Toga Basir, a village inhabited mostly by immigrants from Nias island.

Prior to the installation of signage and billboards in this village, two socialization meetings were held outlining the importance of protecting forest as a life supporting system. The first meeting was held on May 16 in Toga Basir Elementary school with 55 attendees from two sub-villages: Toga Basir and Adian Burjau. The second meeting was held on May 17 in the Catholic Church in Aek Gambir Sirere sub-village with approximately 60 attendees. Both meetings were moderated by the Forestry Task Force for Pinang Sori, Mr. Ali Bosar Tarihoran with three resource persons from the Forestry and Estate Crop Department, i.e., Mr. Husein Sianturi, Mr. Banuara Nainggolan, and Mr. Kristian Marpaung. Pinda Sianturi from Yayasan Ekosistem Lestari also gave a presentation on the socio-economic survey previously conducted by YEL and PanEco in Central Tapanuli. Signage and billboards were installed together with the villagers on May 18 and19 in Toga Basir and Aek Gambir Sirere respectively.

With the implementation of two socialization meetings in Pinang Sori, PanEco and YEL have so far facilitated Forestry and Estate Crop Department for 13 out of 19 scheduled events. Sosialisation and signage installations have been done in four sub-district including 6 locations in Tukka sub-district (Huraba, Siantar Gunung, Paromaan, Aek Simamak, Haramonting, Aek Bontar), 3 locations in Lumut sub-district (Sialogo, Hili Asondu, Muara Panggilingan), 2 locations in Sibabangun sub-district (Sibintuon Aek Hapesong) and 2 locations in Pinang Sori subdistrict (Dusun I Toga Basir, Dusun III Adian Burjau, and Dusun II Aek Gambir Sirere)

Batang Toru forest, which consists of approximately 136,000 hectares, is an important habitat for Sumatran orangutans, tigers, tapirs, sun bears and many other endangered species.

More about Batang Toru