The primary objective is to raise animal welfare standards and transform a tourism offering that, for decades, presented elephant rides as an iconic experience in several Asian destinations. Although these animals possess immense physical strength, their anatomy is not designed to carry heavy seats, handlers and visitors on their backs for extended periods. Long working days, repetitive movements and the methods used to secure their obedience can cause injuries, physical deterioration and psychological distress.
The new policy also seeks to reduce direct interactions organised solely for photographs or visitor entertainment. The recommended model prioritises observation from an appropriate distance, environmental interpretation and educational activities. This allows elephants to spend more time socialising, moving freely, feeding, resting or bathing according to their natural rhythms, without constantly having to adapt to the schedules and expectations of visitors.
Bali, one of Indonesia’s leading tourist destinations, has become a key location for assessing the implementation of the measure. The island has thirteen conservation institutions, five of which accommodate a total of 83 elephants. Bali Zoo stopped offering elephant rides on 1 January 2026, ahead of the full implementation of the guidelines. Other establishments received official warnings before announcing the permanent withdrawal of this activity.
The transformation presents a considerable challenge for parks and operators that had built an important part of their revenue around close contact with elephants. These establishments will need to redesign their products, train their employees and explain to visitors why a less invasive experience can be both more respectful and more educational. The transition must also ensure sufficient resources for feeding, veterinary care and the continued support of elephants that cannot be returned to the wild.
Rather than diminishing the destination’s appeal, the change creates an opportunity to develop higher-quality experiences. Centres can introduce interpretive tours, observation areas, conservation programmes, meetings with specialists and activities designed to explain the threats facing Sumatran elephants. Habitat loss, deforestation and conflicts with local communities continue to endanger this subspecies, which is classified as critically endangered.
Travellers also have an essential role to play in this transformation. Choosing establishments that avoid rides, performances, forced contact and staged photographs helps reduce demand for practices that are incompatible with animal welfare. Responsible observation allows visitors to appreciate elephants without turning them into instruments of entertainment, encouraging a relationship based on respect, understanding and conservation.
Indonesia’s initiative forms part of an international trend that is changing how wildlife is presented within the tourism industry. A growing number of travellers consider the transparency of facilities, the living conditions of animals and the existence of genuine conservation objectives when selecting experiences. For destinations, adopting ethical standards is no longer merely an environmental responsibility but also an important factor in their reputation and competitiveness.
Indonesia is therefore sending a message with international significance: tourism experiences must not be built at the expense of animal suffering. The prohibition of elephant riding marks the end of a deeply established practice, but it also creates an opportunity to renew the sector. The challenge will be to ensure rigorous enforcement, support workers throughout the transition and establish respectful observation as the foundation of a more conscious, educational and environmentally committed tourism offering.
