Inp.polri.go.id - Banda Aceh.  The East Aceh Sub-regional Police reported the death of a male Sumatran elephant, suspected of drinking herbicide in a farmland area of Alur Pinang village, Peunaron subdistrict. 

The endangered species, around 18 years old, was found dead on Tuesday afternoon.

“Preliminary suspicion is that the elephant consumed herbicide stored in an open jerrycan at a hut damaged by the animal. Its tusks remain intact, so this is not a poaching case,” Serbajadi Police Office Chief Assistant Senior Inspector Sudirman said on Wednesday (28/8/2025), as quoted by antaranews.com.

The police secured the scene with caution tape after discovering damaged huts believed to have been ransacked by the elephant. No sharp objects or weapons were found.

The carcass was first spotted by a patrol team from the Leuser Conservation Forum and later reported to village officials. 

Authorities said the incident highlights recurring conflict between humans and wildlife in Aceh, where elephants often enter farmland areas. An investigation into the suspected poisoning is ongoing.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)