Riau Police Chief Mourns Death of Captain Indro, Elephant Guardian of Tesso Nilo

The conservation world is in mourning once again. A Sumatran elephant known as a guardian of Tesso Nilo National Park (TNTN) in Pelalawan, Riau, has been reported dead. The adult male elephant, named Indro, reportedly died on Monday, 29 June 2026, at around 03:45 WIB at the Elephant Flying Squad Camp in Lubuk Kembang Bunga Village, Ukui District, Pelalawan Regency. Indro, nicknamed ‘Captain’, died at the age of 45. The passing of Indro, an iconic elephant in Tesso Nilo, has left deep sorrow among wildlife and environmental observers. Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan, known for his particular concern for Sumatran elephants, also expressed his condolences over the death of Captain Indro. The Sumatran elephant nicknamed Captain Indro played a vital role in Tesso Nilo. For decades, Captain Indro served as a guardian of Tesso Nilo in preventing human-wildlife conflict. ‘The passing of Indro, a Sumatran elephant who for decades was part of the Tesso Nilo National Park Elephant Flying Squad, leaves deep sorrow for all nature and wildlife lovers. His dedication in helping to mitigate conflict between humans and elephants is an invaluable service,’ said Inspector General Herry Heryawan via his Instagram account. The Police Chief also conveyed his appreciation to the mahouts, the medical team, and the Tesso Nilo National Park Office and the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) who fought to provide care until the end of Indro’s life. According to the Police Chief, the death of Indro serves as a reminder that preserving nature, including wildlife and the ecosystems within it, is a shared responsibility. Therefore, the Riau Police’s Green Policing initiative exists to strengthen collaboration in maintaining the balance between humans, nature, and all living beings that are part of the Lancang Kuning earth. ‘Farewell, Indro. The trail of your service will always be a reminder that every life in nature has meaning and must be protected together,’ concluded Inspector General Herry. Indro was pronounced dead on Monday, 29 June 2026, at 03:45 WIB. The male elephant died from health complications triggered by a loss of appetite following a musth phase (a period of peak hormonal activity and high aggression in male elephants). The 45-year-old elephant was part of the Elephant Flying Squad Camp, SPTN Region I Lubuk Kembang Bunga, Tesso Nilo National Park, Riau Province. Captain Indro had rendered great service in supporting the Tesso Nilo National Park Flying Squad Team in mitigating wildlife and human conflict around the Tesso Nilo area.