Enviro News Asia, Aceh — The Aceh Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA Aceh) has confirmed the death of a Sumatran elephant found in a community plantation area in Karang Ampar Village, Ketol Sub-district, Central Aceh Regency.
The report was received from local residents on Saturday, 21 February 2026. In response, a joint team from BKSDA Aceh, local police officers from Karang Ampar Police Sector, community security personnel, and representatives of WWF Indonesia immediately conducted a field inspection at the site.
Preliminary findings indicate that the female elephant, estimated to be around 20 years old, likely died on the night of Friday, 20 February 2026. The death is suspected to have been caused by electrocution from a high-voltage electric wire. When discovered, the elephant’s trunk was still entangled in the electric cable.
Authorities have installed a police line around the area to secure the site while awaiting the arrival of a veterinary medical team. The team is scheduled to conduct a necropsy to determine the exact cause of death, followed by the burial of the animal.
Head of BKSDA Aceh Ujang Wisnu Barata issued a strong warning regarding the incident, emphasizing the serious dangers posed by the use of high-voltage electric fencing.
He stated that installing electrified wires poses significant risks not only to wildlife but also to human safety, including local residents and their families.
BKSDA Aceh reiterated its commitment to protecting endangered wildlife and urged communities to avoid hazardous practices that threaten both biodiversity and public safety. (*)
