Recently, I wrote an article about the most ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand. Despite the fact that the country is still home to a few locations that let tourists interact with endangered elephants, tigers, and even orangutans, conservationists nationwide have spearheaded their own high welfare standards.
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In other words, while Thailand doesn’t have a legal ruling on interactions with elephants (and other animals), there’s still a strong and fast-growing movement to protect wildlife and their habitats. The goal of organizations like Elephant Nature Park and Burm and Emily’s Elephant Sanctuary is to educate and entertain visitors while also promoting safe and comfortable living for elephants in their natural habitat.
Further south, however, Indonesia has made a landmark ruling, joining countries like Mexico in banning animal shows for entertainment to combat unethical tourism practices head-on.
In December 2025, Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry’s Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation issued a new proclamation that ends elephant riding in all its forms. Here’s what we know so far.
Inside Indonesia’s ban on elephant rides
Indonesia is currently undergoing massive tourism expansion. It’s the home of Bali, a small, Hindu island that has quickly become one of the world’s most popular vacation hubs. Interest in Bali is quickly proliferating into interest in surrounding islands, like the Gilli Islands and Nusa Penida.
Indonesia is home to both Sumatran and Borneo elephants, both of which are critically endangered. Issues like human-elephant conflicts and deforestation continue to threaten the species, which is one reason the Indonesian government has made such a strong ruling.
In short, as Indonesia invests in elephant conservation by establishing parks and sanctuaries, such as Tesso Nilo National Park, it’s also looking to curb irresponsible elephant tourism.
Indonesia’s government will enforce the ban by monitoring elephant sanctuaries, especially those that previously operated for tourists. One of the last elephant-riding venues in the country, called Mason Elephant Park, ceased operations on January 25, 2026.
