Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) emphasized that implementation of infrastructure development across Indonesia must pay attention to environmental sustainability and ensure wildlife conservation.
The president made the statement after reviewing the crossing tunnel built for elephants at KM12 (the 12th kilometer) of the Pekanbaru-Dumai Toll Road in Riau Province on Thursday.
"I continue to appeal (to all parties) about the importance of paying attention to the environment. For instance, when we built the Pekanbaru-Dumai Toll Road, there were (also) six crossing tunnels (constructed) for the elephants," Jokowi remarked in a statement on Thursday.
The president noted that by building tunnels, the establishment and operation of the toll road would not hinder the activities of one of the endangered animals in Indonesia, the Sumatran elephant.
The head of state expected the same conservation attempt to also be conducted in other regions, so that public infrastructure development will not impact the preservation of wild animals.
"I think that in several (other) places, we have (also) built passages for protected animals (in the region)," he added.
After reviewing the crossing for elephants, Jokowi and his entourage continued their journey to Rokan Hilir District, Riau Province, to inaugurate the Durolis Drinking Water Supply System (SPAM).
Jokowi was accompanied by State Secretary Minister Pratikno, Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Minister Erick Thohir, Governor of Riau Syamsuar, and Speaker of the Riau Provincial Legislative Council (DPRD) Yulisman.
On a separate occasion, Head of the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Center (KSDA) Genman S. Hasibuan stated that the tunnels were one of the adaptive attempts in the construction of the Pekanbaru-Dumai Toll Road.
The road passes through the animals’ territory along two cities and two districts, where a total population of 76 elephants live.
"As an adaptation of the construction of this highway to the presence of elephants in this region, we, the Riau KSDA Center, were working with (the state-owned construction company) Hutama Karya to make elephant tunnels, so that the elephants' movements are not disturbed," Hasibuan stated.
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