Jakarta - The discovery of the carcasses of 3 individual elephants in Aceh on September 6-7, 2014 added to the record of Sumatran Elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) deaths in Indonesia. At least 90 Sumatran elephants died in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, Riau and Lampung provinces between 2012-2014. Of all the elephant deaths in that period, not a single case has been brought to justice.

Seeing the number of Sumatran elephant deaths that increase every year, WWF-Indonesia urges the government and law enforcement to immediately complete the investigation of all cases of death of these animals to the green table.

The most recent deaths of elephants in Aceh occurred in two different locations, namely 1 20-year-old male elephant in Aceh Jaya District, and 2 elephants - whose gender and age have not been identified - in East Aceh District. All three elephant carcasses were found in terrible condition without tusks. The case has been handled by Aceh Jaya Police and East Aceh Police in coordination with Aceh BKSDA.

Dede Suhendra, Project Leader of WWF-Indonesia in Aceh, said, "WWF deeply regrets the recurrence of elephant deaths in Aceh. From 2012 to 2014, there were at least 31 elephant deaths in Aceh, most of which were suspected to be related to ivory poaching."" Dede also added, ""WWF hopes that in addition to the efforts currently being made, BKSDA Aceh can also encourage the establishment of strategic coordination with the local government, district government and law enforcement for the handling of elephant death cases in Aceh, especially related to the issue of poaching, so that this case can and should be prosecuted in court."

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 estimated at 1724 individuals. The population continues to decline due to habitat fragmentation, human-animal conflict, poaching and illegal trade. Since 2012, elephant deaths in Aceh have been recorded in Aceh Jaya, South Aceh, West Aceh, East Aceh, North Aceh and Bireuen districts.

"The increase in Sumatran elephant deaths is very alarming, so it needs more serious attention from the Government to immediately take concrete action," said Arnold Sitompul, Director of Conservation WWF-Indonesia. "It is time for us to declare Alert 1 for the issue of the death of this charismatic animal," continued Arnold.

In addition to investigation and resolution through legal channels, another approach through the active role of civil society is also very important. On August 25, 2014, the Aceh Customary Council (MAA) launched the Guidelines for Sharia and Adat-Based Natural Resource Management which can be used by communities to actively safeguard the survival of elephants. In addition, the socialization of the Fatwa of MUI No.4 Year 2014 on Rare Animal Preservation for Ecosystem Balance can also strengthen the community's role in protecting Sumatran elephants. Such approaches are expected to increase public awareness of the importance of protecting elephants and other key animals.

For more information, please contact:

• Dede Suhendra, Aceh Project Leader, WWF-Indonesia (dsuhendra@wwf.or.id, +62 816 343801)
• Sunarto, Tiger and Elephant Specialist, WWF-Indonesia (sunarto@wwf.or.id, +62 811 9950521+62 811 9950521)

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