Indonesian Forestry Ministry and Malaysian Authorities Coordinate on Borneo Elephant Calf Rescue

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Ministry of Forestry has confirmed it has coordinated through the Interpol Malaysia network regarding the rescue of a Borneo elephant calf (Elephas maximus borneensis) located near the Indonesia-Malaysia border, specifically in Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia.

“Interpol Malaysia is currently confirming details with the relevant authorities there,” said Hendra Nur Rofiq, Head of the Forestry Complaint Handling Sub-directorate at the Directorate General of Law Enforcement (Gakkum) of the Ministry of Forestry, when reached from Jakarta on Monday.

The coordination followed reports received by the Gakkum Directorate General regarding a viral video circulating on social media platforms showing a young elephant trapped at a palm oil plantation.

After conducting an investigation, the Gakkum officials confirmed the incident occurred at a palm oil plantation in the Tawau area of Sabah, Malaysia.

In addition to coordinating with Malaysian authorities, the Gakkum has also communicated with the North Kalimantan Provincial Forestry Service and the Nunukan Forest Management Unit regarding patrols to ensure the protection and rescue of Borneo elephants, including in areas bordering Malaysia.

The ministry has also established coordination and cooperation with the Sabah Wildlife Department to oversee the elephant rescue efforts and exchange information concerning cross-border Borneo elephant conservation.

Previously, a video circulated on social media showing an adult elephant and its calf trapped in mud at a palm oil plantation. In the comments section on various social media platforms, netizens subsequently reported the incident to the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and the Ministry of Forestry.