Aceh. The population of Sumatran elephants (Elephas maximus sumatrensis) in Aceh Province is estimated at around 500 to 600 individuals. The Aceh Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) revealed that this number includes baby and juvenile elephants.

"Currently, the population of Sumatran elephants in Aceh is around 500 to 600 individuals. In several elephant groups, baby and young protected elephants can still be found," said Head of the Aceh Conservation Agency, Ujang Wisnu Barata, in Banda Aceh, as quoted from Antara, Wednesday.

Ujang said that his agency continues to work to prevent negative interactions between elephants and local communities. Preventing such negative interactions is part of efforts to preserve the Sumatran elephant.

Efforts to prevent human-elephant conflicts include patrolling with local residents to safeguard elephant habitats, as well as strengthening wildlife corridors as elephant roaming areas.

"We also carry out public awareness campaigns on the importance of elephant conservation, including the creation of buffer zones between cultivated land and elephant roaming areas," he said.

For cultivated areas, Ujang encourages residents to grow crops that elephants do not like, to prevent them from becoming targets of the animals.

In addition, residents must keep a safe distance from elephant herds and avoid provoking these wild animals under any circumstances. They are also advised to avoid nighttime activities along elephant migration routes.

Ujang also urged the public to report to village officials or the nearest conservation officers if they encounter or see wild elephants.

"We remind the public not to harm elephants in any way, such as by setting traps, using poison, or shooting them. All of these actions are illegal and endanger safety," he said.