South Tapanuli – As part of its commitment to supporting nature conservation and biodiversity in the vicinity of its operational area, the Batangtoru Hydropower Plant (PLTA Batangtoru) conducted Wildlife Rescue Training on April 25–26, 2025.
The activity aimed to enhance the capacity and preparedness of project personnel in handling potential negative human-wildlife interactions and to establish effective coordination with authorities and organizations dedicated to orangutan protection and conservation, particularly in the field of wildlife rescue.
The training covered a range of topics, including human-wildlife conflict mitigation, wildlife identification, information management regarding potential negative interaction scenarios, techniques for safely driving away or herding animals, wildlife rescue methods, and procedures for rehabilitation and release back into natural habitats.
In addition to comprehensive presentations by the instructors, the event included field simulations to provide a realistic overview of actual wildlife evacuation scenarios. “We have currently stocked equipment and essential supplies for wildlife rescue—ranging from transport crates and orangutan nets to dart guns and medical kits. While we certainly hope to avoid situations requiring the evacuation of wildlife, as the operator of the Batangtoru Hydropower Plant, we must be prepared for even the worst-case scenarios, such as an evacuation operation.
This equipment can also be utilized should similar incidents occur within our area of operations. There is a profound interconnection between the Batangtoru Hydropower Plant and the surrounding forest—which regulates the water cycle and harbors diverse biodiversity. Consequently, we remain committed to continuously enhancing our management strategies. We extend our sincere gratitude to the North Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA)—including its divisional and sectional teams—for their ongoing oversight, concern, and guidance. We also thank the HOCRU-OIC team, who specialize in wildlife protection and rescue—particularly regarding orangutans—for serving as trainers for this event.
Finally, we appreciate the participation of community representatives from the villages surrounding the Batangtoru Hydropower Plant project,” said Iqbal, Biodiversity Manager at PT North Sumatra Hydro Energy (NSHE).
The Batangtoru Hydropower Plant is committed to contributing to environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation within its operational area and the surrounding region, in alignment with the principles of sustainable development.
Source: Perjuangan Online