Padang, July 26, 2026 — The Sumatran tiger is the only tiger subspecies still surviving in Indonesia. As an apex predator, the tiger plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Their population continues to face various threats, ranging from habitat loss due to deforestation, human-wildlife conflicts, to poaching and illegal trade. As apex predators, tigers help control prey populations, thereby maintaining the balance of the food chain. If the tiger population declines, the balance of the ecosystem can be disrupted, affecting the overall health of the forest. Furthermore, the presence of tigers is closely linked to the lives of local communities. Forests, which serve as tiger habitats, provide various ecosystem services such as clean water sources, flood control, carbon sequestration, and livelihoods for communities living near forest areas. In other words, protecting tigers means helping to safeguard the quality of human life.

This spirit served as the central message of the Global Tiger Day 2026 commemoration, held through a public campaign at the Car Free Day (CFD) area in Padang on Sunday (July 26). Under the theme “Connecting Spaces, Saving Lives,” this event successfully brought together various conservation organizations, academics, government officials, and the public to raise awareness about the importance of Sumatran tiger conservation.

This initiative was spearheaded by SINTAS Indonesia in collaboration with the West Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) of West Sumatra, WWF Indonesia, Centre for Orangutan Protection (COP), Forum Harimau Kita, Tiger Heart, and the Sumatran Biodiversity (KHS) Program at the Department of Biology, Padang State University (UNP). This cross-institutional collaboration demonstrates that wildlife conservation efforts cannot be undertaken by a single party alone but require cooperation among the government, conservation organizations, academics, local communities, and the general public.

The Car Free Day (CFD) was filled with people from all walks of life who were enthusiastic about visiting the conservation education booths. According to the data collected, the majority of visitors were women, accounting for 76%, while male visitors made up 24%. The age group with the highest participation was those aged >41–50, with the majority being homemakers.

The event began with a talk show and a public address highlighting the importance of preserving wildlife habitats and raising awareness that the success of conservation depends on the involvement of all segments of society. This was followed by various activities such as a coloring contest, face painting, snake-and-ladder games, and an interactive quiz hosted by WWF with various attractive prizes. As a gesture of commitment to environmental conservation, the West Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) also distributed plant seedlings to the community.

The Head of the West Sumatra BKSDA, Hartono, said the public’s enthusiasm for participating in the event demonstrates a high level of concern for conservation efforts in West Sumatra.

"This certainly shows that the community’s support for conservation efforts—whether for nature conservation or tiger conservation—is truly extraordinary. Therefore, we hope that this event will further enhance the knowledge of the local community in the surrounding area regarding conservation efforts," he said.

In addition to raising awareness about the importance of protecting tiger habitats, the BKSDA also encourages the public to actively report any potential negative interactions between humans and Sumatran tigers so they can be addressed immediately.

Hartono emphasized that conflict mitigation efforts cannot be carried out by the government alone but require collaboration with conservation organizations and communities, particularly those living near forest areas.

"If members of the public discover or encounter any negative interactions, let’s work together; and please report any such activities taking place in the field to us at the West Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Agency,” he said.

According to Beno Fariza Syahri, Rimbang Baling Batanghari Project Leader & Wildlife Biologist, Global Tiger Day is hoped to be not just an annual observance, but a catalyst for all parties to contribute according to their respective roles in conserving the Sumatran tiger. He also hopes that West Sumatra will remain a safe home for the Sumatran tiger while preserving the Minangkabau cultural values that emphasize living in harmony with nature. Furthermore, the protection of well-preserved and interconnected habitats is key to supporting the tigers’ natural movements and reducing the risk of negative interactions between tigers and humans in the future.

In line with what Beno SINTAS stated, “The theme ‘Connecting Spaces, Saving Lives’ reminds us that the future of the Sumatran tiger depends heavily on our ability to maintain the connectivity of its habitat. Conservation is not just about protecting a single species, but also about ensuring that ecosystems continue to function so that humans and wildlife can coexist harmoniously. We appreciate all parties who have participated and hope that this spirit of collaboration will continue to grow into concrete action in the future,” said Niken, Communication and Awareness Officer, SINTAS Indonesia.

This hope is also reflected in the high level of public awareness among those participating in this activity. The survey results show that 61.2% of respondents strongly agreed and 32.7% agreed that protecting the Sumatran tiger means helping to preserve Minangkabau traditions. These findings indicate that the community no longer views tigers merely as wild animals, but also as part of a cultural identity that has coexisted with the Minangkabau people for many years. In Minangkabau philosophy, the relationship between humans and nature is embodied in the principle of “alam takambang jadi guru” (nature is our teacher), which teaches the importance of maintaining the balance of nature as a source of life and learning. The Sumatran tiger is viewed as a symbol of courage and authority, as well as a guardian of the forest. Therefore, conserving the Sumatran tiger means not only protecting biodiversity but also preserving cultural values, local wisdom, and the harmonious relationship between humans and nature—all of which are integral parts of the Minangkabau people’s heritage.