New regulation signals a nationwide move to prioritise animal welfare, safety and education over exploitative attractions.
JAKARTA — Indonesia has officially banned elephant riding performances at conservation institutions, a decisive policy shift that places animal welfare at the centre of wildlife management and tourism.
The prohibition is set out in Circular Letter No. 6 of 2025 on the Termination of Elephant Riding Performances at Conservation Institutions, issued by the Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE) under the Ministry of Forestry. The circular was signed on Dec 18, 2025, by KSDAE Director General Satyawan Pudyatmoko.
The regulation requires all conservation institutions — whether operating for commercial or non-commercial purposes — to immediately halt elephant riding activities, citing concerns over ethics, protection principles and animal welfare.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
A Firm Stance on Animal Welfare
According to the circular, elephant riding is incompatible with modern conservation values, particularly given the status of the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), which is both a protected species and classified as critically endangered.
The ministry stressed that enforcement will be carried out by relevant authorities at regional levels. Conservation institutions that fail to comply face sanctions in accordance with prevailing regulations.
The ban reflects a broader government effort to ensure that wildlife management aligns with animal welfare standards, rather than tourism-driven entertainment.
Limited Exceptions Under Strict Conditions
The circular clarifies that the use of elephants may still be considered under tightly defined circumstances, including forest patrols, mitigation of negative human–elephant interactions, disaster response, and routine care by mahouts or handlers.
Any additional use within conservation institutions requires explicit approval from the Minister of Forestry and must continue to prioritise animal welfare and ethical considerations.
In Lampung, authorities have begun socialising the new policy with conservation institutions. Itno Itoyo, Head of Conservation Section III at the Bengkulu Natural Resources Conservation Agency, said the response has been positive.
“We fully support this policy because its primary goal is animal welfare,” Itno said during an interview in Bandar Lampung on Feb 4. He confirmed that conservation facilities in the province had been informed and were complying with the regulation.
One such institution, Lembah Hijau Conservation Park, has already stopped all elephant riding activities. Visitors are now limited to non-contact interactions, such as observing elephant behaviour from a safe distance.
Way Kambas Sets an Early Example
Elephant riding attractions at Way Kambas National Park had already been discontinued at the end of 2023. Currently, tourism activities at the park remain temporarily closed following escalating conflicts between wild elephants and nearby villages. The closure has been in effect since Jan 16, 2026, with no reopening date announced.
Authorities say the ban does not diminish the educational role of conservation institutions. Instead, it aims to encourage tourism models that emphasise conservation, research and learning.
Officials argue that ending elephant riding opens the door to more meaningful, educational visitor experiences. Conservation centres are encouraged to shift toward activities such as learning about natural elephant behaviour, conservation interpretation, and observing wildlife without physical contact.
The ministry hopes the public will increasingly view conservation institutions as places for breeding, research and education — rather than entertainment — and develop greater respect for wildlife in its natural context.
Human Safety and Animal Health Risks
Beyond animal welfare, experts say elephant riding also poses safety risks to humans. Elephants remain wild animals by nature, and close interaction can lead to accidents, including falls or trampling.
Veterinarian and wildlife conservation practitioner Sugeng Dwi Hastono noted that elephants are biologically adapted to roam long distances in forests and are not anatomically designed to carry heavy loads over extended periods.
Although comprehensive studies on the impacts of elephant riding are limited, Sugeng cited reports from Thailand suggesting that elephants used for riding over decades experienced changes in body posture. He also warned that restricted movement and constant human interaction could increase stress levels.
Sugeng also raised concerns about disease transmission, particularly among young elephants, which are more vulnerable to viral infections. Intensive human–animal interaction increases the risk of pathogens being introduced into conservation facilities.
“Visitors come from many places, and we never know whether they are carrying viruses,” he said. “If they interacted with other animals before visiting, the risk of disease transmission rises.”
He urged conservation institutions to enforce strict biosecurity measures, including the use of disinfectants and limits on direct contact between visitors and elephants.
The ban on elephant riding marks a broader transition in Indonesia’s approach to wildlife tourism — from spectacle to stewardship. By prioritising welfare, safety and education, the government aims to strengthen public understanding of conservation while protecting one of the country’s most iconic and vulnerable species.
Lead image courtesy of Andrew Gal from Getty Images (Sumatran Elephant at Way Kambas National Park, Indonesia)
You may also be interested in :
Kunming Biodiversity Fund Launches First Major Projects to Support Global Biodiversity Goals
