RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry is conducting a scientific investigation to determine the cause of death of two Sumatran elephants in Mukomuko Regency, Bengkulu. The two elephants were found in an area within a habitat corridor connected to Kerinci Seblat National Park and suspected to be a mother and her calf.

The Ministry, through the Bengkulu Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), took immediate action upon receiving a public report on April 29, 2026. A team was immediately deployed to the site along with a veterinarian to conduct verification and initial handling.

Preparations for a necropsy were also made. Initial observations indicate that the tusks of both elephants remain intact.

“As of now, there is no conclusive evidence of poaching. However, the cause of death remains undetermined and is pending further examination,” said the Head of the Ministry’s Public Relations and Foreign Cooperation Bureau, Ristianto Pribadi, when confirmed on Monday, May 4.

Since May 1, a joint team has been conducting necropsies on the ground in accordance with standard protocols for handling protected wildlife. The team consists of the BKSDA, the Forestry Law Enforcement (Gakkum) Agency for the Sumatra Region, the Kerinci Seblat National Park Office, and the Indonesian National Police.

“The joint team is currently conducting necropsies and laboratory analyses to determine the cause of death. If any indications of legal violations are found, they will be dealt with firmly,” said Ristianto.

He also urged the public not to speculate and to support the team in completing a thorough investigation. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to thoroughly investigating this case while strengthening the protection of protected wildlife through inter-agency collaboration. (Gusti Panji/Lasti Martina)