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Indonesia takes another step forward in elephant conservation

All conservation institution managers and tourist attractions that own elephants in Indonesia are required to stop offering elephant riding attractions to visitors.

Jakarta (VNA) – The Indonesian government has officially banned tourist activities involving tourists riding elephants, with the policy applying to all conservation institutions and wildlife tourism destinations in Indonesia, including popular areas like Bali.

As reported by the local news site tempo.co, the ban was implemented through Circular Letter Number SE.6 of 2025, issued by the Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE) under the Ministry of Forestry. This regulation came into effect on December 18, 2025, and applies nationwide.

Through this policy, all conservation institution managers and tourist attractions that own elephants are required to stop offering elephant riding attractions to visitors.

This ban covers all places that currently offer elephant riding experiences, whether for tourism or entertainment purposes. The government has emphasised that such activities are no longer permitted in zoos, safari parks, conservation centres, or other tourist facilities.

Monitoring the implementation of this regulation is carried out by the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) in various regions. If conservation institutions continue to operate such attractions, the government can impose administrative sanctions in stages.

Sanctions range from warning letters to revocation of operating permits for operators who fail to comply with the policy.

With the implementation of this elephant riding ban, Indonesia becomes one of the first countries in Asia to ban elephant riding attractions nationwide.

The ban was announced in late 2025, and its implementation began to be monitored gradually starting in early 2026. Several tourist destinations that previously offered elephant riding experiences have also begun to discontinue these activities./.

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