Minimise Conflict: Siak Police Urge Residents Not to Use Force Against Wild Elephants

Siak Police have urged the public not to take repressive action in order to minimise elephant conflict at the PT Arara Abadi employee quarters in the Tapung District, Rantau Bertuah Village, Minas Subdistrict. Police have asked residents to prioritise preventive measures and give the elephants space.

Siak Police Chief AKBP Sepuh Ade Irsyam Siregar stressed that the entry of elephants into residential areas is not merely a security issue but is also linked to ecosystem dynamics and the shrinking range of wildlife, which increasingly overlaps with human activity. He therefore called for an approach that is not purely repressive but instead prioritises mitigation and preventive steps.

“We urge all parties, including the community and companies, not to take actions that could trigger panic or endanger the animals. If elephant movements occur again, report them immediately to the authorities so the situation can be handled in a measured manner,” AKBP Sepuh said in a statement on Sunday (22/2/2026).

He added that Minas Sector Police officers and related agencies are continuing to monitor the situation around the incident location to ensure the safety of residents and the continuity of company operations.

AKBP Sepuh urged all residents and company personnel to increase vigilance, particularly in areas directly bordering wild animal habitats.

“We prioritise prevention and public safety. Personnel on the ground are also coordinating with the company and relevant stakeholders to carry out further monitoring, so that the potential for human-wildlife conflict can be minimised,” he added.

Employee Quarters and Vehicles Damaged

The incident was reported to have begun in the early hours of Saturday (21/2) at approximately 02:00 local time, when a herd of elephants was detected near the concession area. The situation gradually became stable by 09:30 that morning after the herd returned to the forested area and left the employee housing compound.

There were no casualties in the incident. However, employee quarters and several motorcycles were reported damaged.

“Based on reports from Minas Sector Police, a herd of approximately 11 elephants entered the employee housing area at around 07:00 local time. The animals pushed against and knocked down the walls of the security quarters and damaged three motorcycles parked at the location,” said AKBP Sepuh.