Police: Resolution of Elephant Case in Riau Proves Kapolri's Commitment to Wildlife Protection
The Riau Regional Police (Polda) have resolved a wildlife poaching case that resulted in the death of a Sumatran elephant in Ukui District, Pelalawan Regency. Irjen Johnny Eddizon Isir, Head of the National Police Public Relations Division, stated that the case resolution represents Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo’s commitment to protecting endangered wildlife.
“The Police Chief, as leader of the National Police, is committed to protecting nature and the environment, including protected wildlife in Indonesia. The case being handled by the Riau Regional Police is one concrete manifestation and proof of that commitment,” said Irjen Johnny Isir at Riau Regional Police headquarters in Pekanbaru on Tuesday, 3 March 2026.
Johnny Isir revealed that the Police Chief hopes the resolution of the Sumatran elephant murder case will serve as momentum to strengthen collaboration among all parties in protecting endangered wildlife and plants. “The Police Chief hopes this becomes momentum to unite sense, frameworks of attitude, and coordinated action to strengthen collaboration, ensuring the sustainability of wildlife and plant protection as part of a comprehensive environmental security framework,” he added.
He further noted that the National Police remain committed to transparency and accountability in handling the case and invited all segments of society to play an active role in protecting Indonesia’s endemic wildlife. “We invite all Indonesian society to actively participate from prevention through actively reporting any indication of poaching and trafficking of protected wildlife,” he said.
In resolving this case, the Riau Regional Police arrested 15 suspects and designated three individuals as wanted persons (DPO). Johnny Isir explained that the case investigation employed scientific crime investigation methods. “The scientific crime investigation combined ballistic analysis, GPS collar tracking, and perpetrator network mapping. Currently, 15 suspects have been secured and three individuals have been designated as wanted persons,” he explained.
Forestry Minister’s Appreciation
Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni expressed appreciation to Police Chief General Sigit and Riau Regional Police Chief Irjen Pol Herry Heryawan for resolving the case. “I extend my deepest gratitude to the Police Chief and the Regional Police Chief and their personnel. It is very evident that the police under the leadership of Police Chief Sigit have become increasingly professional and service-oriented,” said Raja Juli.
Raja Juli stated that the case resolution also contradicts public pessimism regarding law enforcement’s ability to prosecute wildlife poaching perpetrators. “Cases like this seem so likely to remain unsolved in public perception, but once again, with his leadership well implemented by the Riau team,” he said.