Jenari Mulyana

The morning air in Bukit Tigapuluh National Park is always refreshing, a small reminder of what we're fighting to preserve. I've been a park ranger here for many years, witnessing firsthand the rapid transformation of Sumatra's landscape. At 38, I often reflect on how drastically things have changed since my childhood. The rainforest, once lush and teeming with life, has been ravaged by oil palm plantations, paper production, and coal mining.

One recent incident still lingers in my mind. I was patrolling the lowland rainforest bordering the park when I heard a commotion. A farmer had cornered an elephant, ready to kill it to protect his crops. The desperation in the elephant’s eyes was haunting. I intervened just in time, managing to de-escalate the situation and save the animal. It's disheartening to see farmers driven to such extremes, even when it means threatening the survival of endangered species.

Despite the passion and optimism I bring to my work, I can’t help but feel skeptical about our future. Non-governmental organizations and the government have made strides in establishing protected areas like Bukit Tigapuluh, but the encroaching plantations and mines continue to devour our rainforests. It's a constant battle against unsustainable practices driven by corporate greed.

Every day, I see the toll this takes on our flora and fauna. The elephants and orangutans, primarily dependent on the lowland rainforests, are pushed to the brink. My work is crucial, not just for Sumatra but for the entire planet. Preserving these forests means fighting for the survival of countless species, and even though the odds often seem insurmountable, giving up is not an option.