In a historic step for animal welfare, the Indonesian government has officially banned elephant riding and related attractions nationwide, ending one of the region’s most controversial forms of wildlife tourism.
The ban follows a government directive requiring all conservation and tourism facilities to cease elephant riding activities and move towards ethical, observation-based experiences.
The move is a major victory for elephants in captivity and comes after years of campaigning by several animal rights groups to expose the harm caused by elephant riding and call for global action to end cruel wildlife attractions.
Government issues binding directive
At the end of 2025, the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry’s Directorate General for Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation issued Circular No. 6 of 2025, officially ending elephant riding activities at all conservation and tourism facilities nationwide.
According to the Bali Natural Resources Conservation Authority, which monitors implementation on the ground, facilities that do not comply risk having their operating permits revoked.
Mason Elephant Park in Bali, one of the last venues offering elephant rides, discontinued elephant rides on January 25, 2026 following an official warning and is now moving towards more ethical tourism activities.
Why elephant riding harms elephants
Elephant riding is widely recognized as harmful by animal welfare scientists and experts.
It often involves painful and stressful training methods that force the elephant to accept the rider, restricting the elephant’s natural behavior and potentially causing long-term physical and psychological damage.
Our research into wildlife tourism in Bali and Southeast Asia repeatedly highlights the suffering faced by elephants used for entertainment and close contact.
Discontinuing elephant riding eliminates the need for these harmful behaviors and allows elephants to spend more time engaging in natural behaviors such as socializing, grazing, and bathing.
We advocate wildlife experiences that prioritize respect for animal welfare and education, rather than exploitation for entertainment.
Transitioning to ethical wildlife tourism
The ban is in line with growing global expectations that tourism be responsible and humane. Facilities and venues around the world are increasingly promoting ethical wildlife encounters that focus on observation, education and conservation rather than direct contact or vehicles.
Our reports, including Check Out Cruelty and Harmful Holidays, document how elephant riding and similar activities exploit wildlife and deliver no real conservation benefits.
We congratulate the Indonesian government on taking a world-leading step to protect the dignity of wild animals.
The end of elephant riding in Indonesia sends a strong signal to the entire tourism industry that we are entering a new chapter of more responsible wildlife tourism.
This incredible victory for elephants comes after years of tireless campaigning and on-the-ground efforts, including more than 10,000 Indonesians, Australians and New Zealanders who signed a petition calling for the closure of elephant rides at Mason Elephant Park.
What this means for travelers and the tourism industry
For travelers, this decision helps make ethical choices clearer and reinforces that holidays in Indonesia or any destination should not come at the expense of elephant welfare.
We encourage holidaymakers to avoid locations that promote animal exploitation and seek experiences that allow them to view elephants and other wildlife in a manner that respects their welfare.
Visitors can also support responsible travel companies that promote attractions that have animal welfare policies and contribute to the protection and sustainable livelihoods of local communities.
Continue to advocate for global change
Indonesia’s ban is a major victory for elephant welfare, but it needs to be part of a broader global movement to end cruelty in wildlife tourism.
We hope the momentum of this decision will pave the way to ending other cruel experiences, from circus-style shows to close interactions, in Indonesia and across the wider Southeast Asia region.
We will continue to campaign for stronger protections for elephants and other wild animals used for entertainment, and urge governments and industry leaders around the world to follow Indonesia’s example.