Riau Police Have Checked 40 Witnesses for the Case of a Dead Elephant Without a Head

Polda Riau and Pelalawan Police when conducting a crime scene at the location of a dead elephant with a severed head in Pelalawan. ANTARA/HO-Polres Pelalawan

PEKANBARU - The Riau Regional Police have examined 40 witnesses in the investigation of the case of a dead elephant without a head in the concession area of PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper District Ukui, Lubuk Kembang Bunga Village, Ukui District, Pelalawan Regency.

Head of Public Relations of the Riau Police, Kombes Zahwani Arsyad, said that the witnesses who were examined consisted of security officers (security guards), employees working in the company's concession area, and the public who were around the protected forest area where the elephant's carcass was found.

"Investigators have examined around 40 witnesses. The witnesses come from various elements, ranging from the community around the scene of the incident, employees of companies in the concession area, to parties who are suspected of knowing the illegal distribution channels, including the alleged trade in elephant ivory," he said as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, February 19.

From the statements of dozens of witnesses, he continued, investigators said this case was beginning to show a light. In the process, the Riau Police also coordinated with the Riau Provincial Natural Resources Conservation Agency.

The approach taken by him prioritizes the "scientific crime investigation" method. Previously, the Forensic Laboratory team together with the BKSDA had conducted a necropsy or autopsy on the elephant.

The joint team strongly suspected that the elephant's death was caused by a gunshot that hit the skull or the skull. So it dispelled the initial suspicion that it died from poisoning.

He ensured that the disclosure process would continue to be carried out gradually and sustainably. He invited the public to play an active role in preventing illegal hunting by reporting all suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Polri service at 110.

"We hope that with the support and prayers of the community, this case will be revealed soon and become a stern warning so that there will be no more illegal hunting practices in the Riau region," he hoped.

Previously, a dead elephant was found with a shot condition and part of the head was missing from the eyes, trunk, and both tusks. The carcass of the wild elephant was found by residents, on February 2, 2026 and is estimated to have died 10 days.