Indonesia ends elephant rides in decisive animal welfare reform
In a landmark policy change, Indonesia has formally ended elephant riding at conservation and tourism facilities nationwide. The Ministry of Forestry’s Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation issued Circular Letter No. 6 of 2025, instructing all relevant sites to cease elephant‑riding activities. Facilities that do not comply risk having operating permits revoked, and local agencies such as the Bali Natural Resources Conservation Agency have begun monitoring enforcement and guiding transitions to ethical tourism models.
What changed and why it matters
The directive represents a major shift in how captive elephants are treated in one of Southeast Asia’s most visited tourism markets. For decades, elephant rides were promoted as a signature experience for visitors. Over recent years, sustained campaigning and investigative work by animal welfare organisations highlighted the physical and psychological harm these attractions cause. By ending rides nationwide, the government has removed a major incentive for harmful training and handling practices.
Why elephant riding harms elephants
Scientific research and field investigations identify several ways riding damages elephants’ welfare:
- Stressful and painful training: Many elephants are subjected to coercive training to accept riders, which can include prolonged restraint, repeated negative reinforcement and other abusive techniques.
- Physical injury: Carrying heavy loads regularly—especially on inadequately supported backs—contributes to spinal injury, sores, arthritis and foot problems from standing on hard surfaces for long periods.
- Behavioural suppression: Captive elephants used for rides often have limited ability to express natural behaviours like socialising, foraging and bathing, which harms their mental health.
- Lifespan and health impacts: Chronic stress and preventable injuries can shorten lives and increase susceptibility to disease.
This directive removes the demand that drives harmful training and gives captive elephants a better chance to live with dignity and natural behaviours.
Enforcement and transition on the ground
The circular letter is binding: agencies can suspend or revoke permits for non‑compliant operations. Several facilities that previously offered rides have already announced transitions to observation‑based experiences. For example, Mason Elephant Park in Bali halted elephant rides on 25 January 2026 after receiving official warnings and is converting its programs toward education, veterinary care and non‑contact viewing.
Transitioning facilities typically need to:
- Modify infrastructure to support viewing platforms, shaded enclosures and enrichment areas.
- Retrain staff to focus on animal care, veterinary support, and guided educational tours instead of ride operations.
- Develop revenue models that replace ride income with humane experiences such as feeding stations, guided observation, and interpretation programs.
What ethical elephant experiences look like
Responsible facilities prioritize elephant welfare, public education and conservation outcomes. Hallmarks of ethical experiences include:
- Non‑contact viewing from safe distances or raised platforms that allow visitors to observe natural behaviours without disturbing the animals.
- Programs focused on enrichment, veterinary care, and socialising opportunities for elephants rather than shows or performances.
- Clear transparency about animal histories, care practices, and conservation goals.
- Accreditation or oversight by reputable conservation and welfare bodies where possible.
How tourists can support the change
Visitors play a crucial role in cementing this reform. Practical steps include:
- Refuse to ride elephants or participate in shows that force unnatural behaviours.
- Choose facilities that demonstrate good welfare practices and provide educational value without contact.
- Ask operators specific questions: How are elephants trained? What veterinary care is provided? How are animals sourced and bred?
- Support verified sanctuaries, research programs, and organisations working to improve captive elephant welfare.
- Report suspected abuse to local authorities or conservation agencies.
What comes next
The directive is an important milestone but not the end of the work. Effective implementation will require continued monitoring, capacity building for facilities shifting their business models, and public education about humane wildlife tourism. Long‑term welfare improvements also depend on stronger protections for habitat, anti‑poaching efforts, and coordinated regional policies to ensure captive animals are treated according to the best available science.
Ending elephant rides in Indonesia aligns with a growing global movement toward humane, observation‑based wildlife experiences. For elephants that have endured years of exploitation, the policy marks a hopeful turning point—one that prioritises their health, dignity and the chance to live closer to the behaviours nature intended.
Useful checklist for visitors
- Look for clear welfare standards and veterinary care on display.
- Avoid facilities advertising rides, performances or close contact photo ops.
- Prefer educational programs that explain conservation challenges and ethical practices.
- Support organisations that rescue, rehabilitate and provide lifelong care for former working elephants.
