Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral
Indonesia has announced a nationwide ban on elephant riding, marking a significant step toward strengthening animal welfare standards and promoting responsible tourism practices.
The ban applies to zoos, safari parks, conservation centres and other tourist venues across the country. Under the new directive, elephants will no longer be used to carry visitors for entertainment purposes.
Authorities said the decision was taken to prevent stress, injury and long-term harm to elephants, concerns that have been raised by animal welfare experts for years.
The move follows sustained advocacy efforts by international and local organisations, including World Animal Protection, which has campaigned against elephant riding and highlighted issues such as harsh training methods and inadequate living conditions.
Under the revised policy framework, facilities are being encouraged to transition toward ethical, non-contact tourism models. Visitors will instead be able to observe elephants in more natural settings that prioritise their safety and well-being.
With this decision, Indonesia positions itself as a regional leader in ethical wildlife tourism in Southeast Asia, reflecting a broader global shift toward cruelty-free and responsible travel experiences.
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