Elephant Riding Banned in Indonesia

For years, elephant riding has been promoted as a quintessential, once-in-a-lifetime experience for visitors throughout Indonesia. Animal welfare and ethical tourism are taking a stance as Indonesia has formally banned elephant riding at all tourist destinations nationwide. 

The regulation, which comes into effect in 2026, marks an end to the long-standing practice of elephant rides at popular attractions. This decisive shift marks a significant step toward more humane wildlife treatment and a more responsible approach to tourism in Indonesia.

Why Indonesia banned elephant riding

Marketed by wildlife parks and zoos as an immersive encounter with nature, the attraction has stood in stark contrast to repeated warnings from international animal welfare organisations, including World Animal Protection and PETA Asia, which have long raised ethical concerns surrounding the practice.

Investigations by PETA and other animal rights groups have revealed that elephants used for riding are frequently subjected to severe mistreatment and abuse. Many endure harsh training methods and prolonged conditioning designed solely for entertainment. These practices expose elephants to chronic stress, psychological suffering, and the gradual erosion of their natural behavioural instincts.

Therefore, the nationwide ban on elephant riding is part of Indonesia’s broader effort to reform wildlife tourism and strengthen its animal welfare policies.

Ban enforced nationwide, with sanctions for violations

The prohibition on elephant riding was officially enacted after the Ministry of Forestry issued Circular Letter No. SE.6 of 2025 on the Termination of Elephant Riding Displays at Conservation Institutions. The regulation allows for administrative sanctions—up to and including license revocation—for institutions that fail to comply.

The Ministry of Forestry will conduct regular monitoring through regional BKSDA offices, particularly targeting licensed conservation institutions that house elephants. Any violations will be met with a graduated system of administrative sanctions, beginning with a first written warning, followed by second and third warnings, and ultimately the revocation of the institution’s operating license if noncompliance persists.

A shift toward conservation-first experiences

Prior to the issuance of this regulation, elephant riding attractions had already drawn significant public scrutiny, particularly at certain conservation institutions and zoos. In the circular letter, the Ministry emphasised that elephant riding displays—whether commercial or non-commercial—are no longer compatible with principles of wildlife protection, conservation ethics, or animal welfare.

Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) are a protected species and are listed as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. As such, any form of utilisation must be carried out with the utmost care and responsibility.

The Ministry has underscored that ending elephant riding doesn’t eliminate the educational role of conservation institutions. On the contrary, the policy is intended to accelerate a transformation toward a conservation-oriented management model, focusing on education about natural elephant behaviour, conservation interpretation, and wildlife observation without direct physical contact.

This approach aims to foster public awareness that true conservation is not entertainment, but an expression of respect for wildlife and a commitment to safeguarding the future of endangered species, including Elephas maximus, which continues to face mounting pressure in the wild.
 

Bali Zoo Ends Elephant Riding, Marking New Era for Animal Welfare in Bali discloses more details of this ban in the Island of the Gods.