The Leuser Ecosystem Management Authority (BPKEL) was established by the Governor of Aceh with the approval of the Aceh Parliament in late 2006. This was done in response to the new mandate the Aceh Government was given as part of the peace accord signed in 2005 which ended 30 years of civil war in the Province. Since this time BPKEL has continuously developed its capacity in undertaking its tasks, which include overall management for the Leuser Ecosystem and include support for law enforcement, wildlife management, forest protection, and resolution of conflicts. During the short time since BPKEL was formed, illegal logging has been greatly reduced, some 3000 hectares of illegal plantations have been removed and the matchless wildlife of the area is now better protected.

BPKEL is, a semi autonomous government authority which reports directly to the Governor of Aceh. Unlike regular government agencies which are manned by career bureaucrats, BPKEL can, and is, staffed mostly by professionals. The organization consists of seven managers one of whom is the Head of the Agency - the others include a general secretary, and five coordinators in the fields of sustainable utilization, law enforcement, conservation and rehabilitation, permitting, and finance and administration. Currently BPKEL has two offices - one in the Provincial capital of Banda Aceh, and another in the central highlands of Aceh in the town of Takengon. Representatives of BPKEL are present in most of the 13 regencies in which it is active.