Police Investigate Critically Endangered Sumatran Elephant Electrocution Deat

RRI.CO.ID, Central Aceh – Law enforcement authorities have launched a formal investigation into the tragic death of a Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) found electrocuted in a community plantation. This marks a stern move by conservationists to address the escalating fatalities of this critically endangered species.

The Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) of Aceh officially filed a police report with the Central Aceh Police regarding the death of a female elephant. This action follows the discovery of the animal in Karang Ampar Village, within the Ketol Subdistrict, Central Aceh, Aceh Province.

The Head of Aceh BKSDA, Ujang Wisnu Barata, confirmed in Banda Aceh on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, that the case has moved into the legal sphere.

"The case of this elephant's death is being followed up by filing a police report at the Central Aceh Police. Currently, the case is in the investigation stage," said Ujang, as quoted by Antara.

The escalation to a criminal investigation underscores the gravity of the incident, which was first reported by local residents on Saturday, February 21.

When the joint team consisting of BKSDA officials and local police reached the site, they discovered the carcass of a 20-year-old female elephant. The scene provided immediate evidence of the cause of death, as the animal’s trunk was still entangled in high-voltage wiring.

"At the time of discovery, the elephant's trunk was attached to high-voltage electrical wires that were still energized. Officers and police personnel immediately secured the location," explained Ujang.

A medical team from the BKSDA, supported by the Aceh Regional Police’s Special Crimes Directorate and local forensics, conducted a necropsy on-site to verify the cause of death. The examination revealed significant burn marks on the trunk, leading to an initial diagnosis of death by electrocution.

While vital organ samples have been taken for further laboratory analysis to solidify these findings, the carcass was buried near the site shortly after the procedure.

The incident has prompted a sharp warning from conservation authorities regarding the use of lethal deterrents in agricultural areas. "BKSDA reminds us that the installation of high-voltage electric wires is very dangerous for wildlife as well as for human safety," said Ujang.

The Sumatran elephant is currently listed as Critically Endangered on the Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. This species faces an extremely high risk of extinction due to habitat loss and ongoing human-wildlife conflict.

Beyond the immediate investigation, the BKSDA is urging the public to coexist with the species by preserving their natural forest habitats rather than resorting to violence.

Authorities reiterated that capturing, injuring, or killing protected wildlife, along with the possession or trade of their parts, is a serious offense. This includes the placement of snares or poisons, all of which are subject to criminal sanctions under prevailing Indonesian laws.