The Indonesian Ambassador proposed protecting the wild banteng population in the Northern Territory

The population of bantengs introduced from Southeast Asia is currently critically endangered. Ambassador Dr. Pramono noted that some of these livestock animals could be returned to Indonesia, where about 1,000 individuals remain in the wild. According to him, preserving the animals in Australia provides a reserve in case the species disappears in its native region.

Furthermore, Dr. Pramono suggested introducing new bantengs to the Northern Territory to improve the genetic diversity of the Australian herd. No official negotiations on this matter have been conducted yet. In the ambassador's view, discussions should begin between the Northern Territory Government and Indonesian national parks, after which the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade could join the process.

Director of the Centre for Compassionate Conservation Daniel Ramp pointed out that other introduced species, such as dromedary camels, have also successfully established themselves in the Australian bush. He noted that the discussion on managing such species has a one-sided character, yet Australia is capable of contributing to their global conservation if they are threatened in their homeland.

The expert emphasized the need to minimize the impact of large herbivores on native endangered species, but also raised the question of finding a balance between Australian conservation objectives and global interests in preserving rare animals.