Ministry of Forestry Investigates Elephant Killing in Riau

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Directorate General of Law Enforcement (Gakkum) at the Ministry of Forestry has affirmed its commitment to dismantling the poaching network suspected of being involved in the deaths of Sumatran elephants in Riau. The investigation will target not only the perpetrators on the ground, but also the financiers and intellectuals behind the crime.

Director General of Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Forestry, Dwi Januanto Nugroho, said that authorities are working intensively to uncover the organized wildlife poaching network. He emphasized that the state will not tolerate crimes that damage the ecosystem and the nation's dignity.

"We will not give any room for wildlife criminals," said Dwi Januanto Nugroho, Sunday, February 8, 2026.

He confirmed that the Ministry of Forestry will intensify law enforcement efforts related to the Sumatran elephant deaths. This incident occurred in the concession area of ​​PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (PT RAPP) in Pelalawan Regency, Riau Province.

The elephant was found dead without its tusks in the protected area of ​​the Ukui Block, Lubuk Kembang Bunga Village. This location is part of the elephant's home range in the Southeast Tesso habitat pocket.

In addition to conducting an investigation with the Indonesian National Police, the Forestry Law Enforcement Team also requested information from PT RAPP. This step was taken to ensure compliance with licensing obligations and the protection of forests and wildlife in the company's concession area.

PT RAPP first reported the elephant's death to the Pelalawan Police and the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) on Monday, February 2. This report served as the basis for the initiation of an inter-agency investigation.

Examination results indicated the elephant was a male, estimated to be over 40 years old. The protected animal is estimated to have died approximately two weeks before being found.

An autopsy revealed signs of severe head injuries. Medically, the preliminary suspicion is that it was a gunshot wound. Police found projectiles at the scene, further supporting the suspicion of ivory poaching.

These findings strengthen the suspicion of a crime against protected wildlife. Authorities believe this incident was not a natural death, but rather the result of a criminal act.

Dwi Januanto emphasized that the Forestry Law Enforcement Agency is now focusing its investigation on the perpetrators and networks behind the elephant killing. The investigation is being conducted in line with the legal process handled by the Pelalawan Police and the Riau Regional Police.

This effort involves gathering and analyzing evidence and investigating information from the field. Inter-agency coordination and collaboration continue to be strengthened to ensure optimal law enforcement.

As a follow-up, a joint team from the Riau Regional Police, the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), and the Forestry Law Enforcement Agency returned to the scene. This step was taken to complete the evidence and strengthen the legal process against the perpetrators. (Misni Parjiati/Bambang MBKA)