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View all search resultsRiau Police probe death of critically endangered Sumatran elephant
In recent years, several incidents have been reported of Sumatran elephants dying from poison set by farmers who consider them pests, as well as fatal attacks on humans. The species also faces serious threats from poaching, with their tusks highly sought after in the illegal wildlife trade.
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Jumbo solution: A mahout feeds a Sumatran elephant on Jan. 23, 2026, at the Elephant Conservation Information Center operated by the Jambi Natural Resources Conservation Agency in Bukit Tigapuluh, Muara Sekalo, Jambi. The center, which officially began operating in 2022 with five Sumatran elephants, serves to prevent human-wild elephant conflict in the Bukit Tigapuluh area and also functions as a nature tourism and conservation education site. (Antara/Wahdi Septiawan)
R
iau Police have launched an investigation into the death of a Sumatran elephant found decapitated inside a pulp company’s forest concession in Riau.
Authorities said the elephant’s carcass was discovered within the concession area of PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (PT RAPP) in Lubuk Kembang Bunga village, Pelalawan regency, on Monday night.
One of RAPP workers reported detecting a strong, pungent odor coming from the forest and decided to investigate its source. Upon further inspection, the worker found the carcass of an elephant.
The elephant, estimated to be around 30 years old, was found in a sitting position with its head missing. The finding was immediately reported to company security, who then notified the police and the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA).
Read also: Elephant ride ban raises concerns at conservation sites
Head of the Riau Police Criminal Investigation Division Adj. Comr. I Gede Yoga Eka Pranata said investigators are still working to determine the cause of death of the animal.
“We are carrying out a crime scene investigation and questioning witnesses to uncover how the elephant died,” he said on Friday, as quoted by Tribunnews.com.
