Mahouts' Message to 'Father of Elephants' Commissioner Herry: Do Not Forget Seroja
Commissioner Herry Heryawan has left a lasting impression on mahouts, netizens, and elephant observers in Riau Province. They have shared a profound message, hoping that the former Riau Regional Police Chief does not forget the elephants, particularly those in the Tesso Nilo National Park (TNTN), Pelalawan.
Elephant mahouts in Tesso Nilo expressed both emotion and pride as they saw off the high-ranking police officer, who now serves as the Head of the National Police Security Maintenance Agency (Kabaharkam). The mahouts also extended their gratitude to Commissioner Herry Heryawan for the significant attention and care he has provided to the elephants in Tesso Nilo.
“To Mr Herry Heryawan, we, the mahouts of Tesso Nilo National Park, offer our greatest congratulations and thanks for all your care for us at the Tesso Nilo Elephant Flying Squad Camp,” said a mahout, as quoted from the @btn_tessonilo Instagram account on Sunday (4/10/2026).
For the mahouts, Commissioner Herry did not merely visit and meet the elephant handlers; he has come to regard the elephants as his own children.
“Particularly, Miss Seroja, whose name you personally gave in July last year. A name that remains a light and a beautiful memory for us in Tesso Nilo,” they shared.
The mahouts hope that Herry Heryawan, in his new mandate as Head of Polri’s Security Maintenance Agency, will not forget the elephants he has treated as his children.
“Mr Herry, please do not forget Seroja… Seroja will surely miss you… And if there is an opportunity to return to Riau, please do stop by Tesso Nilo. Miss Seroja is here, growing larger and more agile, and would likely be very happy to meet the man who gave her her name,” they added.
Voices and Hopes of Elephant Observers
The post by BTN Tesso Nilo received responses from many netizens, most of whom are elephant observers. Much like the mahouts, netizens expressed sadness regarding Commissioner Herry Hovis’s departure from the ‘Bumi Lancang Kuning’ region.
One netizen wrote, “I have never felt this mellow hearing about a mutation. The person must be truly sincere.” Another added, “I am suddenly sad to hear about Mr @herryheryawan’s move. Good luck with your new duties.”
Other netizens also congratulated Commissioner Herry (affectionately known as Herimen) on his new position and thanked the three-star general for his concern for Sumatran elephants. One user remarked, “Congratulations on your new duties… thank you for the beautiful, sweet, and soft name for little Miss Seroja. I am sure that name came from a soft-hearted person.”
Some also expressed hope that the new Riau Regional Police Chief would continue the legacy of protecting conservation areas and the flora and fauna within them.
Herry Heryawan and the Title ‘Father of Elephants’
Herry Heryawan is widely recognised as an environmental advocate and the ‘Father of Elephants’. His vocal defence of Sumatran elephants has earned him full support from the people of Riau.
On one occasion, Commissioner Herry Heryawan openly declared his support for the elephants. During a mediation with communities residing within the Tesso Nilo National Park (TNTN) conservation area in Pelalawan, he resolutely stood up for the elephants being displaced from their habitats.
“I stand here as a representative for the elephants. These elephants cannot speak, and the living environment there cannot speak, even though they are living beings just like us,” stated Herry Heryawan at the Riau Governor’s office in Pekanbaru on Saturday (21/6/2025).
He emphasised that TNTN is home to elephants and other species that are increasingly threatened with extinction.
“If they could speak, why was their home disturbed in the first place? We cannot go back on this; TNTN is for the ecosystem, especially the elephants that live within the ecosystem of the Tesso Nilo National Park area,” he added.