Forest security with kph Batutegi: mission to protect the heart of Sumatra’s forests from encroachment
Batutegi protected forest located in Lampung is one of the most vital forest areas on the island of Sumatra. This area is a natural habitat for a variety of flora and fauna, including endemic species found only in Indonesia.
However, the threat of increasingly massive forest encroachment has the potential to damage the ecological balance and disrupt the survival of species in it. If not treated immediately, this damage can have long-term impacts on environmental sustainability.
To overcome this problem, Batutegi Forest Management Unit (KPH) together with Yayasan Initiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI) implemented a technology-based conservation approach. Joint teams in the field continue to carry out security and surveillance against potential destruction.
What is the strategy and implementation like? Check out the following description!
Getting To Know Batutegi Forest Management Unit
Batutegi protected forest spans an area of 58,174 hectares in Lampung Province, covering three districts: Tanggamus, West Lampung, and Central Lampung. In addition to functioning as a priority watershed, this area also stores high biodiversity which has outstanding ecological and conservation value.
Since 2008, YIARI has been actively conducting conservation activities in the area, with an initial focus on wildlife protection as well as habitat rehabilitation. Regular patrols and monitoring of animal populations are part of the protection effort.
The collaboration between YIARI and kph Batutegi was further strengthened as the threat of forest encroachment increased. In response to this, in 2025, YIARI continues the forest Security program with kph Batutegi as a form of long-term commitment in maintaining sustainable forest ecosystems.
With the support of modern technologies such as GPS-based monitoring systems, surveillance drones, and rapid reporting applications, teams in the field are able to respond more efficiently to potential threats. This strategy not only reduces the number of encroachments, but also strengthens the ecological function of forests as a buffer for life and sustainable biological resources.
Tracing the trail of encroachment in the Rindingan Forest
Understanding the conditions and threats on the ground is a crucial first step in efforts to preserve forests. One of the main areas of concern is the Rindingan core block, a strategic conservation area in the Batutegi protected forest.
This area is not only an important habitat for a variety of rare species, but also provides vital ecosystem services to the surrounding environment.
Unfortunately, the Rindingan core block is facing heavy pressure due to ongoing illegal encroachment activities. Unlicensed land clearing, illegal logging, and hunting disrupt the natural balance and accelerate the destruction of ecosystems.
If left unchecked, the impact can be far-reaching: from disruption of water sources, to a decline in biodiversity, to the destruction of ecological systems that sustain the lives of local communities.
In response to these conditions, KPH Batutegi and YIARI continue to strengthen forest security efforts. One concrete form of this commitment is realized through joint patrols that are carried out periodically.
On January 22, 2025, a joint team consisting of Forest Police (Polhut) KPH Batutegi and yiari field staff conducted intensive patrols in the Rindingan core block.
The rugged terrain and limited access did not dampen the team’s enthusiasm to reach areas prone to encroachment in order to conduct data collection and direct observation of forest conditions.
Patrol results show, some areas have been damaged due to illegal activities. The team found a number of evidence such as wild huts built clandestinely, traces of heavy vehicles, the remains of logged wood, as well as land that began to be cleared without official permission.
These findings confirm the practice of encroachment is still a real threat and urgent to be addressed immediately.
Surveillance and patrolling are therefore not only important as preventive measures, but also as a form of consistent law enforcement.
Concrete and sustainable measures are needed so that the preservation of the Batutegi protected forest, especially the Rindingan core block, can be maintained for future generations.
Technology and Rapid Action in Forest security
To respond effectively to the field findings, the patrol team conducted data collection on the affected areas while immediately taking measurable security measures. Armed with the support of advanced monitoring technology, the surveillance process is now carried out more systematically, accurately, and responsively.
One key technology being leveraged is Global Forest Watch—GFW)-a satellite imagery-based platform that enables real-time detection of forest cover changes.
With this system, encroachment activities can be monitored early on, so the team can directly direct patrols to vulnerable points.
To reach areas that are difficult to access, the team also operates drones that provide a thorough visual overview of the forest conditions from the air.
Meanwhile, the SMART Patrol application is used to record and analyze findings in the field. The Data collected through this application becomes an important basis in decision making, from determining patrol patterns to formulating follow-up strategies.
The use of technology not only accelerates the response to encroachment, but also allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of forest safeguards. This data-driven approach is expected to reduce the risk of damage while supporting sustainable and adaptive long-term conservation planning.
A step in protecting the environment
The joint patrol carried out on January 22, 2025 is one of the important steps in continuing efforts to protect the Batutegi protected forest habitat.
This activity not only aims to stop the practice of encroachment, but also becomes an integral part of the grand strategy in preserving forest ecosystems.
However, habitat protection does not stop at patrols and enforcement alone. Once the points of encroachment have been identified, the next stage is the restoration of the affected ecosystem. Rehabilitation processes-such as replanting trees on open land—are becoming an important component in improving the structure of forests and restoring their ecological function.
Moreover, community involvement around forest areas is key in creating sustainable protection. Education and empowerment of local communities continue to be carried out so that they not only understand the importance of preserving forests, but also have alternative livelihoods that do not depend on illegal exploitation of forest resources.
Protect The Forest, Protect Life
Protecting Batutegi protected forest is not a momentary effort, but a long-term commitment to ensure the sustainability of the ecosystem and the lives that depend on it. These efforts cover a wide range of aspects—from routine patrols, to the implementation of monitoring technology, to the empowerment of local communities as the vanguard of preservation.
KPH Batutegi, YIARI, and other stakeholders continue to strengthen synergy and collaboration. This cross-sectoral collaboration is a strong foundation in preserving the ecosystem as a whole.
However, protecting the forest is not only the task of those on the front lines. This is a shared responsibility. Every individual has a role, no matter how small, to support forest conservation. Some simple steps that can be done include:
- Disseminate information about the importance of forest conservation to people around.
- Support the use of environmentally friendly and sustainably produced products.
- Reduce paper consumption by choosing digital documents or using recycled paper.
- Participate in tree planting activities or support local reforestation and conservation programs.
Every small step has a big meaning for the future of our forests. Do not let the practice of encroachment continue to damage such a precious natural heritage. Now is the time to move together—taking care of the forest means taking care of life itself!
Featured image: a blue illegal hut in the middle of the Batutegi protected forest encroachment site
Editor: Hasna Latifatunnisa