Inp.polri.go.id - Pekanbaru.  The Riau Regional Police have deployed a specialized task force to track down poachers responsible for the killing of a 40-year-old Sumatran elephant in Pelalawan Regency. 

Found on Tuesday, the elephant was shot in the forehead and discovered with its tusks and portions of its head missing. Forensic examinations conducted by the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) confirmed the animal had been dead for over ten days before its discovery in the Tesso Tenggara elephant pocket.

"We have conducted a crime scene investigation and examined five witnesses. One team from Sub-directorate IV is now working with the Pelalawan Police to arrest the perpetrators," said Riau Police Director of Special Crimes, Senior Superintendent Ade Kuncoro, on Friday (6/2/2026), as cited by antaranews.com.

The necropsy revealed a bullet projectile lodged in the skull, while sharp-weapon marks indicated the head had been mutilated to retrieve the tusks. 

The Riau Police are currently analyzing forensic evidence and ballistics to identify the syndicate behind the attack. This case has drawn nationwide attention to the persistent threat of illegal wildlife trafficking in Sumatra's protected corridors.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)