In a massive win for animal welfare, Indonesia has officially banned elephant rides. IIndonesia’s Ministry of Forestry has officially banned elephant rides across all tourism and commercial venues nationwide. The landmark directive applies to all national parks, zoos, safari parks, and conservation centers—including Bali's popular vacation hotspots. The policy follows years of intensive advocacy from animal welfare groups, including PETA and World Animal Protection, which have long exposed the systemic cruelty and severe physical trauma endured by captive elephants in the entertainment sector. With the implementation of this historic ban, Indonesia is transitioning toward an ethical, observation-based wildlife tourism model. Venues that fail to comply with the directive risk severe penalties, including the immediate revocation of their commercial operating licenses. By taking this bold step, Indonesia has positioned itself as a leader in global conservation, challenging other Asian nations to phase out invasive wildlife interactions and embrace more compassionate travel experiences. source: World Animal Protection. (2026). Indonesia bans elephant riding in landmark welfare move. World Animal Protection.