Riau Police Confirm Headless Elephant Case Still Under Investigation, 40 Witnesses Examined
Riau Provincial Police have confirmed that the investigation into a headless elephant discovered in the concession area of PT RAPP’s Ukui District, Ukui Sub-district, Pelalawan Regency, is still ongoing. To date, police have taken statements from 40 witnesses.
“As of now, 40 witnesses have been interviewed to clarify the sequence of events and identify those responsible,” said Riau Police Public Relations Head Commissioner Zahwani Pandra Arsyad in a statement on Thursday (19 February 2026).
Among the 40 witnesses interviewed are security guards, employees working in the company’s concession area, and members of the public residing near the protected forest zone where the elephant carcass was found.
Commissioner Pandra stated that the investigation is being conducted intensively by Pelalawan District Police in conjunction with the Riau Provincial Police’s Special Criminal Investigation Directorate. He also affirmed that Riau Provincial Police are committed to protecting nature and its ecosystems in line with the Green Policing initiative championed by the Riau Police Chief.
“Riau Provincial Police are fully committed to law enforcement against perpetrators of protected wildlife hunting as regulated under Law Number 32 of 2024 concerning Amendments to Law Number 5 of 1990 on the Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems. We assure the public that this case is receiving serious attention,” he explained.
He confirmed that the investigation is being conducted using scientific crime investigation methods, including coordination with the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and forensic examination of the elephant carcass. Preliminary examination results suggest the animal’s death was caused by poaching.
Riau Provincial Police also urged the public to play an active role in providing information should they become aware of any illegal hunting activities or trade in protected wildlife. Information from the public is considered highly valuable in accelerating the resolution of the case.
Police authorities confirmed that investigation developments would be communicated openly to the public and stressed that perpetrators of protected wildlife hunting face severe criminal sanctions under applicable legislation.
The death of the Sumatran elephant has attracted significant public attention. The elephant was shot dead and found with part of its head missing, including the eyes, trunk and both tusks. The carcass of the wild elephant was discovered by local residents on the evening of Monday, 2 February 2026.
Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan affirmed his force’s strong commitment to apprehending the perpetrators of protected wildlife hunting, including this elephant killing case in Pelalawan Regency.
Riau Provincial Police confirmed that the investigation would continue to be carried out in a phased and sustained manner. The force also called on the public to play an active role in preventing illegal hunting by reporting any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the National Police call centre on 110.