Government Bans Elephant Riding Tourism, Presidential Instruction to be Issued Soon

The Ministry of Forestry has banned elephant riding tourism. Deputy Minister of Forestry Rohmat Marzuki stated that a Presidential Instruction regarding the ban will be issued shortly.

Rohmat conveyed this during a working meeting with Commission IV of the House of Representatives at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday (15/4/2026). He explained that the ban is an effort to protect elephants.

“This policy is taken to protect the elephant population, as well as the safety of elephants, including animal welfare or the well-being of elephants,” Rohmat said.

“This is also reinforced by the seriousness of President Prabowo Subianto, who will issue a Presidential Instruction regarding the conservation of the population and habitat of Sumatran and Kalimantan elephants,” he added.

He stated that the policy has received a positive response. He noted that Indonesia is one of the countries taking firm steps to ban elephant riding practices.

“The policy to ban elephant riding has received a positive response and support from the national and international public because Indonesia is one of the countries that has totally banned elephant riding for tourism purposes,” he clarified.

Nevertheless, he said that elephant-based tourism activities can still be conducted. However, he added, elephant tourism can be redirected to more educational attractions.

“Elephant riding can still be utilised for tourism, for example, attractions such as feeding elephants, bathing elephants, or taking photos with elephants. So there are forms of nature tourism that do not involve riding elephants,” he explained.