Support preventative enforcement
Law enforcement covers several immediate threats to the conservation of the Leuser Ecosystem such as – illegal logging, poaching and trading of wildlife, illegal extraction of non-timber forest products, encroachment, issuance of illegal permits, and illegal conversion of forests. Considering the complexity of law enforcement, attempts will be made by BPKEL, to work through local organizations and leaders to implement preventative measures against transgressions such as encroachment and illegal harvesting of wildlife or non-timber forest products. Measures could include warnings by people of influence in the area of violations and may go as far as imposing customary sanctions such as fines in line with local traditions. If such measures are insufficient (and considering the scale of such activities as illegal logging and wildlife trafficking, they will, in many instances, not be) then repressive measures carried out by the appropriate government agencies will be called for.

At another level, the BPKEL will support efforts to ensure that the relevant government agencies are not coerced into issuing licenses for plantations, commercial forestry ventures, etc in areas that are not allowed by law.

Develop a model law enforcement system for Aceh Leuser Ecosystem
It may be that the current system is inadequate at dealing with current threats. If this is proven to be so, then BPKEL will assist in drafting new concepts for consideration, and will provide financial assistance for training in new enforcement techniques and methods or in adjusting to the new system in Aceh. The Leuser Ecosystem would, in effect, become a test case for a new approach to law enforcement in relation to conservation and forestry.

Facilitate regular enforcement
In cases where repressive enforcement is necessary, such as against well-financed illegal logging and commercial extraction of wildlife, the approaches to law enforcement are similar. Supported by NGOs and local communities, BPKEL will continuously monitor the Leuser Ecosystem, collect and collate data, and act on such information as necessary in collaboration with the Police. Previous experience has shown that involvement of representatives of local communities in preparing for and participating in enforcement operations can have a positive effect on transparency of the operations, and develop a sense among communities that their work and efforts can have a meaningful outcome, and that their forests can be saved. Following up on any arrests, BPKEL will support the efforts of existing legal organizations to monitor the judicial process. Positive legal precedents that are developed as part of this process will enable more efficient handling of subsequent cases.