Riau Police Arrest 15 in Sumatran Elephant Poaching Case
Pekanbaru, Riau – Indonesian authorities have arrested 15 individuals and are seeking three more in connection with the illegal poaching of a Sumatran elephant in the concession area of PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (PT RAPP) in Pelalawan Regency, Riau province. The elephant, estimated to be around 40 years vintage, was discovered decapitated on February 2, 2026.
Details of the Investigation
The Riau Regional Police launched an investigation following the discovery of the elephant’s carcass. Initial findings revealed the elephant had been shot twice in the head, and its face, trunk, and tusks were removed. A subsequent forensic investigation confirmed the elephant was deliberately killed.
Key Suspects and Roles
Authorities have identified FA (62) as the central figure in the poaching operation, allegedly providing funding, collecting ivory, supplying ammunition, and processing the tusks. Other key suspects and their roles include:
- RA (31): Cut off the elephant’s head and possessed a homemade firearm.
- JM (44): The shooter.
- SM (41): A guide and owner of a homemade gun.
- HY (74): An ivory collector and transaction intermediary.
- AB (56): A courier.
- LK (43): A gun seller.
- SL (43): An intermediary for buying and selling guns.
- AR (39), AC (40), FS (43), ME (49), SA (39), JS (47), HA (42): Intermediaries in ivory transactions, with some involved in processing ivory into smoking pipes.
Three suspects – AN, GL, and RB – remain at large and are wanted for their involvement as shooters and ivory collectors.
Ivory Trafficking Network
The investigation revealed a complex network extending beyond Riau province. Ivory from the poached elephant was transported through several intermediaries to Jakarta, Surabaya, and Central Java, increasing in value to over IDR 130 million (approximately $8,000 USD as of March 4, 2026). The ivory was ultimately processed into smoking pipes.
Additional Evidence Seized
In addition to elephant ivory and firearms, authorities confiscated 140 kilograms of pangolin scales, tiger claws, and fangs, indicating the syndicate’s involvement in broader wildlife trafficking. Evidence seized included two homemade firearms, 798 rounds of ammunition, and tools used in the poaching and processing of the animals.
Official Response
Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir, Head of the Public Relations Division of the National Police, stated that the case demonstrates the National Police Chief’s commitment to protecting Indonesia’s natural resources and endangered species. Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni praised the Riau Regional Police for their work, noting that elephants are a favorite animal of President Prabowo Subianto. Awards were presented to key officers involved in the investigation.
Conservation Concerns
Riau Regional Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan emphasized the ecological importance of Sumatran elephants and the devastating impact of their loss on the ecosystem. According to the World Wide Fund for Nature, only 2,400 to 2,800 Sumatran elephants remain in the wild.