Oleh Annisa Ruzuar
 
Great news’s coming from Riau. Last Sunday (12/2) two of Flying Squad team mahouts patrolling in Tesso Nilo held their wedding ceremony. Fikri Pohan and Evatma Dewi, met when they were both mahouts for the team. Their shared love for the elephant brought the couple together, “we were starting as friends, and fell in love as we often went to patrol together. She is a lovely and helpful girl, with a beautiful smile I can’t resist,” said the groom Fikri.
 
As the elephants brought them together in the first place, the gentle pachyderm became a central point of this unique ceremony. Unlike a normal wedding, Fikri rode an elephant to Evat’s house for the Ijab Kabul. A delightful moment happened, when the elephants bowed down to Fikri before letting him rode in its back. Even though he is used to the ride, as he has joined the squad since 2004, that ride felt special and endearing for him.
 
After he arrived in his bride to be house in Lubuk Kembang Bunga village, Fikri was accompanied by his family to say his oath. After the Ijab Kabul and both declared as husband and wive, the newlyweds came to the elephants that unite them. It was an endearing moment, but it soon change into a festivity as the newlyweds—dressed in Malayu Pelalawan traditional outfits—paraded through the village on the back of the brightly decorated elephant.
 
The idea of the unique wedding came from Syamsuardi, WWF-Indonesia’s Flying Squad Coordinator, “We want to give the newlyweds a memorable and priceless experience. We also want to show to people that elephant and human can live harmoniously.” For the procession, an extra preparation was required with the help of Fikri’s and Evat’s colleague. “A special preparation is required as the elephants will be in touch with massive crowds and loud noises. Thanks God, that everything goes well and everybody can share the happiness in this unique ceremony,” said Syamsuardi
 
We are all wishing you happily ever after life Fikri and Evat