High Voltage Wire in a Community Garden Kills a Protected Elephant in Central Aceh

The corpse of a Sumatran elephant was secured by Kemenhut and police officers suspected of being electrocuted in Karang Ampar Village, Central Aceh Regency, Aceh, Saturday (21/2/2026) ANTARA/HO-Kemenhut

ACEH TENGAH - The Ministry of Forestry through the Aceh Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) confirmed the discovery of one Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) dead in Karang Ampar Village, Central Aceh Regency.

The protected animal was allegedly electrocuted by high-voltage electric wire in a residential plantation area.

Head of the Aceh Natural Resources Conservation Agency Ujang Wisnu Barata explained, based on an initial examination at the location, the female elephant, aged around 20 years, was suspected to have died on Friday night, February 20, due to being electrocuted by a wire.

"The installation of high-voltage electric wires carries great risks that not only endanger wildlife, but also the safety of our own lives, families, and surrounding residents," Ujang said in a statement received in Jakarta, Antara, Sunday, February 22.

Ujang said the report of the death of the protected animal was received from residents on Saturday.

Following up on the information, the Aceh BKSDA team together with Karang Ampar Police personnel, Bhabinkamtibmas, and partners from WWF Indonesia immediately headed to the location to conduct a check.

When found, the elephant's trunk was still wrapped in an electric wire. Officers then set up a police line around the location to secure the area while waiting for the arrival of a medical team to conduct a necropsy and burial process for the elephant's carcass.

Ujang again emphasized that the practice of installing high-voltage electric wires is very dangerous and can have legal consequences.

He appealed to the public to find solutions to mitigate animal conflicts safely and in accordance with applicable regulations.