RRI.CO.ID, Pekanbaru - Indonesian Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has vowed heavy punishment for those involved in the brutal killing of a Sumatran elephant found decapitated in Riau, underscoring the government’s commitment to protecting endangered wildlife from organized crime.

“I urge and sincerely hope this will be the last such brutal act in Riau. If we look at the law, the penalties are not light,” Minister Raja Juli said in Jakarta on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, as quoted by Antara, stressing that the state is determined to safeguard protected species and condemned the illegal practice, noting that the Sumatran elephant is a critically endangered animal under special government protection.

The investigation, carried out jointly by the Ministry of Forestry and the Riau Police, has named 15 suspects. Eight are based in Riau, seven are linked to networks outside the province, and three remain on the wanted list. The suspects played different roles, ranging from ivory traders and financiers to receivers.

“Thanks to strong cooperation between the police, forest rangers, and conservation agencies, 15 suspects have been identified,” Minister Raja Juli said, praising law enforcement’s professionalism in dismantling the network.

As a gesture of appreciation, the Ministry of Forestry awarded the Riau Police for their work in exposing the case. The minister reiterated that the government will not remain passive in the face of wildlife crimes.

“Please make it clear to the public that the state will stand firm in protecting wildlife,” he emphasized, adding that he hopes this incident will be the last and that no one will dare to threaten the existence of protected species again.

Under Indonesian conservation law, the suspects face prison terms of three to 15 years and fines ranging from IDR 200 million to IDR 5 billion. Additional charges under the Criminal Code carry penalties of up to 15 years in prison. ***