On the occasion of Tiger Day, held on July 29, 2024, the Vice Dean of Students, Alumni, and Partnerships, Dr. Ir. Wira Dharma, S.Si, M.Si, M.P, warmly welcomed the attendees. The event was attended by Prof. Lenny, Head of the Department; Dr. Alia Rizky, S.Si, M.Sc, Department Secretary; representatives from the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA); Directorate General of Environmental Law Enforcement (GAKKUM ACEH); Forum Harimau Kita (FHK); Flora and Fauna Indonesia; HAKA; Follow; Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS); and other invited guests.
In his speech, Dr. Wira Dharma emphasized the importance of Tiger Day as a moment to save tigers, especially the Sumatran Tiger, which is now critically endangered. The Sumatran Tiger plays a crucial role in maintaining the forest ecosystem balance, but illegal hunting and habitat loss continue to threaten their existence. “Tiger conservation must be our priority. Today, we not only celebrate the existence of tigers but also reaffirm our commitment to protecting them,” he stated. He called on all parties to unite against all forms of threats to tiger habitats and populations. According to him, tiger conservation also means preserving the sustainability of ecosystems and natural heritage for future generations.
Dr. Wira Dharma appreciated the presence and support of various institutions, such as BKSDA, GAKKUM ACEH, FHK, Flora and Fauna Indonesia, HAKA, Follow, and WCS. “Cooperation and synergy among us all are the keys to the success of this conservation effort,” he added. He hoped this event would bring significant benefits and strengthen efforts to protect tigers and Indonesia’s natural environment.
The talk show, which was part of the event, featured various expert speakers. Moderator Azizah Yuliabsy and note-taker Pocut Aurellia Irham directed the discussion with the speakers. Dessy Puspita Sari, S.Hut. from BKSDA, discussed BKSDA’s direct involvement in habitat management and protecting Sumatran tigers from external threats. She explained the function of controlling the impact of damage to biological natural resources according to Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation No. 17 of 2022 and outlined the three pillars of conservation: protection, preservation, and sustainable use. Major challenges include forest conversion, poaching, declining prey animal populations, and low public awareness. Protection efforts include building tiger-proof enclosures, evacuation and release, occupancy surveys, security patrols, and outreach.
Juan Fuadi, S.Hut from Ditjen Gakkum delivered material on environmental law enforcement related to the illegal trade of plants and wildlife. He explained the mandate of law enforcement from Law No. 41 of 1999 on Forestry and Law No. 5 of 1990 on Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems, as well as law enforcement strategies through multi-instrument collaboration and strengthening the law enforcement ecosystem. TSL crime modus operandi includes falsification of species and distribution through social media. The framework for handling illegal hunting and trade of plants and wildlife includes prevention, trade governance, and law enforcement.
Dr. Dalil Sutekad, S.Pd., M.Si., a biology academic from FMIPA, highlighted the importance of tigers as top predators and umbrella species in ecosystems. The main challenges faced are humans and climate change. The ecological role of tigers in maintaining food chain balance, education, and local wisdom as conservation steps were also emphasized.
The speakers delivered closing messages emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts from various fields, the need to report tiger trade-related issues without hesitation, and the crucial role of youth in the education and conservation of Sumatran Tigers.
