Indonesia — In a landmark decision that marks a significant step forward for animal protection, the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry has officially banned elephant rides across the entire country.

The new policy, issued through Circular Letter No. 6 of 2025, prohibits elephant riding at all conservation centers, zoos, tourist facilities, and commercial operations. It also ends related exploitative practices, including chaining, forced “bathing” sessions with tourists, and staged photo opportunities where elephants are made to perform or pose.

This comprehensive ban shifts the focus toward ethical, observation-based wildlife tourism that allows people to admire elephants without causing them harm.

The change comes after years of dedicated advocacy by animal welfare organizations. Groups documented the physical toll of carrying riders (including spinal damage), the psychological stress of constant performance, and the suffering caused by chains and unnatural living conditions. Their persistent efforts, combined with growing public awareness, finally led the government to act.

Elephants are highly intelligent, emotionally complex animals with strong social bonds, excellent memories, and a capacity for deep feeling. Forcing them into tourism work contradicts everything we now understand about their well-being.

This nationwide ban makes Indonesia one of the first countries in Asia to take such a strong stand against elephant riding, setting an important example for responsible tourism across the region. More than 100 captive elephants will no longer be used for rides, allowing them a chance to live with greater dignity and less stress.

This is real, meaningful progress — proof that consistent advocacy and evidence-based pressure can create lasting change for animals who cannot speak for themselves.

A brighter future for Indonesia’s elephants is now law.

Thank you to everyone who kept pushing for this. Change is possible.