Bengkulu Governor Junaidi Hamsyah say the Sumatran elephant habitat, which is in Nature Seblat, North Bengkulu should be protected from activities that could damage the environment such as coal mining.

KOMPAS / MOHAMMAD Hilmi Faiq

       Foreign travelers elephants bathing in the river Batang Sei attack, Tangkahan, Langkat regency, North Sumatra, some time ago. Tangkahan has the charm of an exceptional nature.

Bengkulu Governor Junaidi Hamsyah say the Sumatran elephant habitat, which is in Nature Seblat, North Bengkulu should be protected from activities that could damage the environment such as coal mining.

"I hope the government of North Bengkulu or Mukomuko not issue mining permits around Elephant Conservation Centre in Seblat," he said in Bengkulu, Friday (18/01/2013).

Earlier in the dialogue between the governor of Bengkulu with community leaders that the former governor and vice governor of Bengkulu, the TWA Seblat be one topic of discussion.

According to former Deputy Governor of Bengkulu Iskandar Ramis, Center for Elephant Conservation (PKG) Seblat potential if packaged into ecotourism locations. "When compared to the Way Kambas and conservation of elephants in North Sumatra Tangkahan, TWA Seblat much potential," he said.

The presence of wild animals in their habitat, not only elephants, but also other animals like tigers and bears to capital for developing ecotourism region.

For that district and provincial governments must work together to manage the area to remain protected from destruction activities. "Because ecotourism is sold in originality, unique and well-maintained," he said.

According to Ramis, TWA protection Seblat the provincial government will be implemented optimally.

The results of the air monitoring conducted at the invitation of the governor of Bengkulu BKSDA head some time ago, habitat protection efforts that need to be done and followed up. "Monitoring of the air is the condition of most of the forest area has been encroached upon, but they can be overcome," he said.

TWA Seblat of over 7000 hectares in the area of ​​North Bengkulu, but are on the border with Mukomuko district. Dozens of wild elephants estimated to still live in their natural habitat in the region, in addition to 19 elephants guided the 'mahout' or elephant handler in PKG Seblat