World Animal News has been contacted by a source in Indonesia who is pleading for international attention after catastrophic flash floods and landslides struck West Sumatra, North Sumatra, and Aceh, causing widespread destruction, the death of more than 1,400 people, and the loss of countless wild and domestic animals.
In a heartbreaking message shared with WAN, the source describes a nation in deep mourning while also raising the alarm about the use of elephants to transport debris at disaster sites.
Residents are condemning the use of elephants amid the crisis. Elephants, already victims of decades of habitat loss, poaching, and human encroachment, are now reportedly being deployed to move fallen trees and building materials in areas devastated by the floods.
“We are concerned and condemn this action as it exploits animals,” the source wrote. “We feel hurt and heartbroken because elephants are not heavy machinery. They are living beings. After their homes were destroyed and their habitats invaded, now their strength is being used.”
This decision is not only unethical but symbolic of a deeper systemic crisis: animals repeatedly used, displaced, or harmed due to ecological exploitation and weak environmental protections.
The message describes immense grief and frustration. “The main cause of these major floods and landslides is the greed and gluttony of our government, which continues to exploit nature,” the resident stated. “Many forests have been cleared. Animal habitats have been destroyed. There has been violence, murder, and cruel poaching of animals.”
Environmental groups have long warned that illegal logging, palm oil expansion, and mining operations in Sumatra have destabilized landscapes, drastically increasing the likelihood of flash floods and landslides.
There is a cry for international help. The resident expressed fear that their pleas will go unheard inside Indonesia. They hope the global community will shine a light on what is happening.
“We are asking for help from outside Indonesia. We hope that our voices will be heard and heeded, because our voices here are not being heard,” the resident continued. “We are asking for help so that the world knows what is happening in Indonesia right now. About all the crimes, the exploitation of nature and animals committed by a corrupt government.”
Elephants are sentient, intelligent beings who should never be used as tools or machinery, particularly when they themselves are victims of habitat destruction caused by human industry.
WAN calls on Indonesian authorities to:
• Cease all use of elephants in disaster recovery efforts
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Investigate any forced labor involving elephants or captive wildlife
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Address the underlying drivers of the floods, including deforestation and habitat loss
WAN urges international environmental and wildlife organizations to provide oversight, aid, and advocacy to support both affected communities and wildlife. We will continue monitoring the situation and reporting updates as more information becomes available.
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