Mitigation Of Conflict Between Sumatran Elephants (Elephas Maximus Sumatranus) And The Community In The Giam Siak Kecil Elephant Population Enclosure
Keywords:
Human-Elephant Conflict, Conflict Mitigation, Sumatran Elephant, Giam Siak Kecil, Qualitative ResearchAbstract
The conflict between Sumatran elephants (Elephas maximus sumatranus) and humans is a complex and growing problem, particularly in the Giam Siak Kecil Elephant Population Pocket. This conflict was triggered by habitat degradation and fragmentation, changes in land use, and the intensity of human activities around the forest area. This research aims to analyze conflict mitigation strategies between Sumatran elephants and local communities, and to examine the social, economic, and ecological impacts caused by such conflicts. The research uses a descriptive qualitative method with data collection techniques thru in-depth interviews. The research respondents consisted of two officials from the Natural Resources Conservation Agency of Riau (BBKSDA), two village heads, three community members including community leaders and direct conflict victims, two company representatives, and three representatives from NGOs or conservation organizations. Data analysis was conducted using the Miles and Huberman model, which includes the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The research findings indicate that conflict mitigation has been implemented thru structural, non-structural, technological, participatory, and area conservation policy approaches. Although the strategy was able to reduce the intensity of conflict in some locations, its effectiveness still faces constraints, particularly in terms of infrastructure maintenance, inter-stakeholder coordination, and program sustainability. Additionally, human-elephant conflict has social impacts such as decreased sense of security and psychological stress for communities, economic impacts including losses from damaged gardens and reduced household economic resilience, and ecological impacts such as habitat degradation and disruption of the elephant's ecological function as a keystone species. This research underscores the importance of an integrated, adaptive, and collaborative mitigation approach to conserve Sumatran elephants while improving the well-being of communities in conflict areas..
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