Indonesia’s nationwide ban on elephant riding is being rolled out across conservation and tourism facilities in Bali, Sumatra and Borneo following a government directive issued in December 2025.
The policy follows Circular Letter No. 6 of 2025, issued in December by the Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE) under the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.
The directive requires licensed zoos, safari parks and wildlife attractions to stop offering elephant rides and shift toward observation-based experiences.
More than 100 captive elephants nationwide are estimated to be affected by the change. Under the new framework, institutions are encouraged to focus on animal welfare, education and conservation rather than ride-based tourism, according to Travel and Tour Would.
The move forms part of Indonesia’s broader repositioning toward sustainable and responsible travel.
what bout thailand ?
This is indeed good news, hopefully Thailand too could impose similar ban on elephant ridings. Keep the elephants in sanctuaries and let the visitors focus on the animal welfare.