New Hope for Sumatran Elephants: 'Nona Seroja' Born in Tesso Nilo

The birth of a baby elephant to a mother named Ria at Tesso Nilo National Park in Pelalawan, Riau, has brought joyful news to the conservation world. The arrival also offers new hope for the survival of the Sumatran elephant, whose population is increasingly under threat. The newborn joins the Elephants Flying Squad in Region I of Lubuk Kembang Bungo Village, Ukui District, Pelalawan Regency. The birth of Nona Seroja was completely unexpected, as the mother, Mama Ria, showed no signs of pregnancy and was not detected even after two ultrasound examinations. Born on Wednesday (10/6), the calf weighs between 100 and 106 kilogrammes. The younger sibling of Domang has been named Nona Seroja.

Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni and Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan expressed their delight at the calf’s arrival. The birth has fostered optimism that life continues to find a way. Minister Raja Juli stated that the birth proves the Tesso Nilo ecosystem still provides a supportive living space for protected species, despite the intense challenges facing forest sustainability today. ‘Mama Ria has given birth to a healthy female Sumatran elephant calf. The arrival of Domang’s younger sibling adds hope for the future of Sumatran elephants in the wild,’ he said in a statement on Thursday (11/6/2026).

Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan shared the happiness, saying the birth of the Sumatran elephant calf to mother Ria brings new hope for the conservation world. ‘This birth not only increases the population of protected wildlife but also brings new hope for the preservation of Sumatran elephants in their natural habitat,’ he said. Mahout Erwin also welcomed Nona Seroja with joy and was moved to tears at the sight of the birth. A video of the emotional moment was uploaded to the Tesso Nilo National Park Office’s Instagram account, @btn_tessonilo. Erwin admitted he could hardly believe the birth had occurred. ‘I was speechless. I actually cried because I couldn’t believe it; even the ultrasound didn’t show anything, and suddenly she gave birth,’ Erwin said in the video.

During the happy occasion, the Riau Police Chief conducted a patrol and visited the newborn calf at Tesso Nilo on Thursday (11/6). On that occasion, Inspector General Herry Heryawan officially announced the name ‘Nona Seroja’ for the calf. He said that before deciding on the name, he had sought permission from the Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, who gave his approval. ‘Before deciding on the name for this elephant, we first conveyed and requested permission from the Minister of Forestry, and alhamdulillah, he agreed to the name we proposed, which is Nona Seroja,’ explained Inspector General Herry.

Minister Raja Juli added that the birth of the female calf serves as a reminder that efforts to protect conservation areas and wildlife must be carried out consistently by all parties. ‘The presence of Nona Seroja is happy news for Indonesia. We all have a responsibility to ensure that she and other elephants can live safely in their habitat. Conservation is not just about protecting wildlife, but about safeguarding the future for generations to come,’ he said. Inspector General Herry Heryawan explained that the name ‘Nona Seroja’ carries a deep meaning. The seroja flower is a sacred aquatic plant whose blooms rise high above the water’s surface. ‘The seroja is a flower that grows from a murky environment, yet is able to bloom beautifully and maintain its purity,’ he said. This philosophy reflects the current condition of Tesso Nilo, which faces various challenges, yet nature still presents new life through the birth of a baby elephant. ‘Therefore, we interpret Nona Seroja as a symbol of purity, resilience, beauty, and hope,’ he added. The two-star general emphasised that the arrival of Nona Seroja is a reminder that conservation cannot be carried out by one party alone. Protecting elephants in their habitat means maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. ‘Protecting Tesso Nilo means protecting the natural heritage we will leave for future generations,’ he stressed.