WWF-Indonesia will launch a national campaign for Sumatran Elephants (Elephas maximus sumatrensis) titled "The Fate of Elephants", with the aim of garnering public support to encourage palm oil companies to implement Best Management Practice (BMP) in saving Sumatran Elephants, as well as ex-situ conservation institutions - such as zoos and training centers - to pay attention to their management based on animal welfare, which is stipulated in the Minister of Forestry Regulation No. P.31/Menhut-II/2012.

In addition to social media by using the hashtag #NasibGajah, public support for the campaign is also being raised through an exhibition of art installations created by 20 young Indonesian artists in shopping centers, offices, universities and schools in Jakarta over the next few months. The public can also take selfies with the art installations and participate in the #Selfielephant competition, which has a prize of a free trip with WWF-Indonesia to the Sumatran Elephant ex-situ conservation center in Minas, Riau.

To kick off the campaign, WWF-Indonesia is organizing a public "March for Elephant", which will take place on:

Day/Date: Sunday/ November 9, 2014
Time: 07.00- 10.00 WIB
Place: Jakarta Car Free Day (CFD) area, in front of Menara BCA

The event will be enlivened by visiting the Elephant art installation points, flash mob with Gigi Art Dance and photo opportunity.

Sumatran elephants are categorized as critically endangered in the Red List of the world conservation organization, IUCN; as well as protected by Law No.5 of 1990 concerning the Conservation of Living Natural Resources and Ecosystems. Based on data released by the Elephant Forum Workshop and the Ministry of Forestry in Bogor in early 2014, the estimated population of Sumatran elephants in the wild is currently estimated at 1724 individuals. The population continues to decline due to habitat fragmentation, human-animal conflict, poaching and illegal trade.

The following is a series of "The Fate of Elephants" Campaign activities carried out by WWF-Indonesia in several locations:

• 9 Nov 2014: March for Elephant at Menara BCA CFD Area, Jakarta
• 9 Nov-Dec 2014: Exhibition of 20 Elephant art installations in shopping centers, offices, universities and schools in Jakarta
• Late Nov 2014: Talk show "Kopi Gajah" at ABCD Kopi, Pasar Santa, Jakarta
• Dec 2014: Environmental education for elementary school and media trip to Ragunan Zoo, Jakarta
• Jan 2014.
• Jan 2014: Media trip to Elephant Training Center in Minas, Riau
• Jan 2014.

For more information, please contact:
Noverica Widjojo, Media Relations Officer, WWF-Indonesia
Email: nwidjojo@wwf.or.id, Hp: +628121958195