Environment and Forestry Minister Announces Heavy Sentences for 15 Suspects in Headless Elephant Killing
Environment and Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has asserted that those implicated in the headless elephant killing case in Ukui sub-district, Pelalawan Regency, Riau, face heavy penalties. It is understood that the Riau Police have named 15 people as suspects in the case. Eight of them are in Riau province, while seven are part of a network outside Riau. Additionally, three remain on the wanted list (DPO).
With close cooperation and exceptional synergy among the police, forest rangers, and the agency, 15 suspects have been identified, Raja Juli said in a statement on Tuesday (3/3).
Raja Juli lamented that such brutal and illegal practices still occur, noting that the Sumatran elephant is a highly protected species and a government priority. He also affirmed that the Sumatran elephant is a species greatly cherished by President Prabowo Subianto.
“The brutal and illegal practices are deeply regretted, especially given that the Sumatran elephant is among the most cherished by President Prabowo Subianto,” he said.
Raja Juli emphasised a public message that the state will not remain idle in the face of wildlife crime. He reminded that penalties for crimes against protected wildlife are not light, and he hopes this case will be the last in Riau.
For reference, the suspects in this case are charged under Article 40A(1)(d) and (f) of Law No. 32 of 2024 on Amendments to Law No. 5 of 1990 on the Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems (KSDAE), with penalties of imprisonment for a minimum of three years and a maximum not stated in this report, and fines of at least Rp200 million and up to Rp5 billion.
In addition, they are charged under Article 306 of Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code with a maximum imprisonment of 15 years, and Article 21(1)(a) of Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code which prescribes a penalty at two-thirds of the maximum principal sentence.
“I call on and hope that this brutal crime will be the last in Riau. Reading the law, the penalties are not light,” concluded Raja Juli.
Earlier, a dead elephant was found in the Ukui Block protected area, Lubuk Kembang Bunga village, part of the elephant range in the Tesso Tenggara habitat pocket. The carcass was found within the concession area of PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (PT RAPP), Pelalawan Regency.
The death of the elephant was first reported by PT RAPP to Pelalawan Police and the Riau BBKSDA on Monday (2/2).
Initial examinations indicated the male elephant was over 40 years old and had died about two weeks before discovery. Post-mortem findings showed signs of severe head trauma, medically suspected to be from gunshot injuries. The carcass, found without tusks, further strengthened the suspicion of illegal wildlife poaching.
In addition to joint investigations with the National Police, the Forestry Enforcement Team is seeking statements from PT RAPP to ensure compliance with licensing obligations and the protection of forests and wildlife in its concession area.
In line with the investigations by Pelalawan Police and Polda Riau, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry is now focusing on tracing the actors and networks behind the incident, including possible links to organised wildlife poaching.
Law enforcement steps involve gathering and deepening evidence, field information collection, and cross-agency coordination and collaboration.