A major step forward for wildlife protection and ethical tourism
Indonesia has officially banned elephant riding nationwide, marking a historic milestone in the global movement to protect animal welfare and promote ethical tourism. The ban, announced by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry in late 2025 and coming into effect in early 2026, prohibits elephant-riding activities at all tourism and conservation facilities across the country.
As a result of this policy change, more than 100 captive elephants in Indonesia will no longer be used for rides, shifting the focus of wildlife tourism toward observation-based and educational experiences rather than exploitative, ride-based attractions.
Elephant riding has long been criticised by animal welfare experts for causing severe physical strain, psychological stress, and long-term harm to the animals involved. The intensive training methods used to make elephants compliant for rides can inflict trauma, while the weight of riders contributes to chronic pain and musculoskeletal injuries.
“We warmly welcome Indonesia’s bold decision to end elephant riding nationwide,” said Massimo Pradella, OIPA International President. “This policy recognises elephants as sentient, intelligent beings — not tourist props. Ending elephant rides is a powerful step toward reducing suffering and advancing ethical tourism.”
The decision reflects a broader trend throughout Southeast Asia and beyond: growing public awareness and advocacy against wildlife exploitation in tourism. Travellers are increasingly seeking opportunities to observe and learn about animals in ways that prioritise their natural behaviour and well-being rather than direct use or performance-based interactions.
Indonesia’s ban on elephant riding sets a strong precedent for other nations and tourism operators around the world. By prioritising animal welfare and responsible tourism practices, this shift signals a renewed commitment to respecting wildlife and preserving biodiversity for future generations.
“We hope this historic move inspires other countries and destinations to phase out harmful tourism practices and adopt standards that protect, rather than exploit, wild animals,” Pradella added.
OIPA celebrates this important policy change and views it as a testament to the impact of sustained advocacy, public engagement, and science-based policy reform. Ending elephant rides not only improves individual animals’ lives but also contributes to the broader goal of humane, ethical, and sustainable wildlife tourism.
