The Indonesian government has called for an end to elephant riding nationwide, moving to shut down one of the region’s most controversial wildlife tourism activities.
According to World Animal Protection, the call follows a government directive that requires all conservation and tourist facilities to stop elephant riding and shift toward ethical, observation-based experiences.
The change follows years of campaigning by animal welfare organizations, which have long argued that elephant rides harm animals and undermine ethical wildlife tourism.
At the end of 2025, Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry's Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation issued Circular Letter No. 6 of 2025, formally ending elephant riding activities at all conservation and tourism facilities across the country.
Facilities that fail to comply risk having their operating permits revoked, according to the Bali Natural Resources Conservation Agency, which has been monitoring implementation on the ground.
Mason Elephant Park in Bali — one of the last venues offering elephant rides — halted elephant riding on January 25, 2026 after receiving official warnings and is now transitioning toward more ethical tourism activities.
A shift toward ethical wildlife tourism
Animal welfare scientists and experts widely recognize elephant riding as harmful.
Critics say training often relies on painful and stressful methods to force elephants to accept riders, restricts natural behaviour, and can cause long-term physical and psychological damage.
Advocates also argue that ending elephant rides removes the need for those practices and allows elephants more time for natural behaviours such as socializing, grazing, and bathing.
The directive aligns with growing expectations that tourism should be responsible and humane, with more venues promoting wildlife encounters focused on observation, education, and conservation rather than close contact and rides.
The announcement also follows years of advocacy efforts, including a petition calling on Mason Elephant Park to end elephant riding.
“This wonderful win for elephants comes after years of tireless advocacy and on-the-ground engagement including the 10,000+ Indonesians, Australians, and New Zealanders who signed our petition calling on Mason Elephant Park to end elephant riding,” said Suzanne Milthorpe, head of campaigns for World Animal Protection ANZ.
What it means for travellers
For travellers, the decision aims to make ethical choices clearer, reinforcing that holidays should not come at the expense of an elephant’s welfare, in Indonesia or elsewhere.
Advocates are urging travellers to avoid venues that promote animal exploitation and to seek out experiences that allow elephants and other wildlife to be observed in ways that respect their welfare.
They also encourage travellers to support responsible travel companies with animal welfare policies and attractions that contribute to conservation and sustainable livelihoods in local communities.
While Indonesia’s move marks a major step, advocates say it should be part of a broader push to end cruelty in wildlife tourism — including other captive-wildlife experiences, from circus-style shows to close-up interactions — across Indonesia and the wider Southeast Asian region.
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