18 Suspects Named in Sumatran Elephant Killing in Riau Province, Indonesia
Pekanbaru, Riau – Indonesian authorities have named 18 suspects in connection with the killing of a 40-year-old Sumatran elephant in the Ukui District of Pelalawan Regency, Riau Province. The suspects are alleged to be involved in both the hunting of the elephant and the illegal ivory trade.
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has affirmed a strong commitment to environmental protection and wildlife conservation, stating that the case demonstrates this dedication. “The case being handled by the Riau Regional Police is a manifestation and concrete proof of this commitment,” said Head of the Public Relations Division of the National Police, Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir, at a press conference on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Scientific Investigation Uncovers Extensive Network
The investigation, described as a careful scientific crime investigation, revealed the elephant died from gunshot wounds. Authorities utilized ballistic analysis, GPS data, and network mapping to identify those involved. Currently, 15 suspects have been arrested, with three others remaining at large.
The arrests took place between February 18 and February 23, 2026, across multiple locations including Pelalawan Regency (Riau), Padang Pariaman (West Sumatra), Solo (Central Java), Kudus (Central Java), Surabaya (East Java), and Jakarta.
From Poachers to Ivory Traders: A Multi-Tiered Operation
Riau Regional Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan emphasized the severity of the crime, stating it was a “collective injury” impacting the balance of nature. He noted that similar incidents have occurred previously, with the Riau Regional Police recording eight elephant deaths since 2024.
The investigation uncovered a network spanning multiple roles, including:
- Executors: Individuals who shot and cut off the elephant’s head.
- Financiers: Those providing funding for the operation.
- Collectors: Individuals gathering the ivory.
- Brokers: Intermediaries facilitating transactions.
- Sellers: Those selling the illegal ivory.
- Gun Suppliers: Individuals providing firearms for the poaching.
Suspect Details
Arrested Suspects:
- RA (31): Cut off elephant head, owned homemade gun (arrested Feb 18, 2026).
- JM (44): Shooter (arrested Feb 19, 2026).
- SM (41): Guide, owned homemade gun (arrested Feb 19, 2026).
- FA (62): Financer, ivory collector, ammunition owner (arrested Feb 19, 2026).
- HY (74): Ivory collector, intermediary (arrested Feb 19, 2026).
- AB (56): Courier (arrested Feb 19, 2026).
- LK (43): Gun seller (arrested Feb 20, 2026).
- SL (43): Gun intermediary (arrested Feb 20, 2026).
- AR (39): Ivory transaction intermediary (arrested Feb 22, 2026).
- AC (40): Ivory transaction intermediary (arrested Feb 22, 2026).
- FS (43): Financer, ivory collector (arrested Feb 22, 2026).
- ME (49): Ivory transaction intermediary (arrested Feb 22, 2026).
- SA (39): Ivory transaction intermediary (arrested Feb 23, 2026).
- JS (47): Ivory transaction intermediary, ivory cigarette pipe dealer (arrested Feb 23, 2026).
- HA (42): Ivory transaction intermediary, ivory smoking pipe dealer (arrested Feb 23, 2026).
Suspects at Large (DPO): AN, GL, and RB – all alleged to be shooters and ivory collectors.
Legal Consequences
The suspects face charges under Article 40A of Law Number 32 of 2024 concerning Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems, carrying a potential prison sentence of 3 to 15 years and a fine of up to IDR 5 billion (approximately $320,000 USD as of March 3, 2026).
The Riau Regional Police have lauded the collaborative effort involving the TNI-Polri (Indonesian National Armed Forces and National Police), Ministry of Forestry, Ministry of Environment, Riau Provincial Government, and other stakeholders in bringing the perpetrators to justice.