Case of Dead Elephant Child in Tesso Nilo, Ditreskrimsus Polda Riau Names Land Owner as Suspect

Riau Police Chief together with the ranks in the Tesso Nilo National Park area

JAKARTA - The Riau Regional Police's Special Criminal Investigation Directorate has named the land owner as a suspect in the case of the death of a Sumatran elephant calf in the Tesso Nilo National Park area. Investigators found that there was a rope trap that was installed.

"The snare was allegedly illegally installed and was the main cause of the injury that led to the death of the protected animal," said the Director of Special Criminal Investigation of the Riau Police, Kombes Ade Kuncoro, to reporters, Monday, March 2.

The determination of the suspect began with information from the public regarding the discovery of the elephant child's carcass in Lubuk Kembang Bunga Village, Ukui District, Pelalawan Regency on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

After carrying out the crime scene (TKP) with the Pelalawan Police Criminal Investigation Unit, his party also found oil palm trees and stakes of land ownership around the discovery point of the carcass, which was then developed.

"We are investigating two aspects at once, namely the alleged death of protected animals and the existence of plantation activities within the national park area," he said.

Ade explained that based on the check of coordinates with mapping experts and zoning experts, the location was confirmed to be within the conservation forest area of Tesso Nilo National Park as stipulated in SK of the Minister of Forestry Number 255 of 2004 and SK Number 6588 of 2014.

Investigators then examined a number of border witnesses, land managers, and presented experts to determine the status of the area.

After going through the title of the case, a man with the initials JM, 44, a resident of Lubuk Kembang Bunga Village was named a suspect.

"The person concerned plays a role as the owner of land within the national park area. The determination of the suspect was carried out after the examination process of witnesses, experts, as well as the analysis of documents and maps of the forest area," he said.

In this case, the suspect was charged with Article 40 paragraph (1) letters d and e and Article 40A paragraph (1) letter d of Law Number 32 of 2024 concerning the Conservation of Living Natural Resources and their Ecosystems, with a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of Rp. 5 billion.

Kombes Ade emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing to delve into the possibility of the involvement of other parties, including related to the practice of installing traps in conservation areas.

"This law enforcement is a form of our commitment in protecting conservation areas and protected wildlife. TNTN is a strategic area that must be protected. Any violations in it will be processed firmly in accordance with applicable laws," he said.

This case adds to the list of serious concerns about the threat of encroachment and illegal activities in the Tesso Nilo area, which has long been an important habitat for Sumatran elephants.

The Riau Police ensured that the investigation process was carried out professionally, based on witness and expert testimony, and supported by a precise mapping analysis of the area.

"This is not just about one criminal case. This is about maintaining conservation areas to remain sustainable and ensuring that the law is present to protect the ecosystem," he concluded.