Indonesian authorities have disrupted an attempt to illegally traffic protected bird species in Manado, North Sulawesi. The Ministry of Forestry’s Law Enforcement Agency confirmed on Thursday that an operation conducted on March 10 led to the apprehension of a suspect.
The individual was intercepted while attempting to transport two palm cockatoos (Probosciger aterrimus) in a vehicle. A subsequent search of the suspect’s residence uncovered an additional protected animal, a cassowary chick (Casuarius unappendiculatus).
Ali Bahri, head of the Law Enforcement Agency, emphasized the government’s firm stance against wildlife crime. “Any form of hunting, trade, or illegal possession of protected wildlife will not be tolerated,” Bahri stated. He added that coordination with stakeholders and monitoring efforts would be intensified to safeguard Indonesia’s rich biodiversity.
Investigators revealed that the suspect intended to deliver the cockatoos to a buyer located in Tolitoli, Central Sulawesi. The individual reportedly admitted to facilitating the sale and acting as a caretaker under instructions from another person based in Surabaya, receiving commissions for their involvement in collecting and selling the animals.
The suspect faces potential charges under Law No. 32 of 2024, which amends Law No. 5 of 1990 concerning the conservation of biological resources and ecosystems. Violations of this law carry severe penalties, including a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to Rp5 billion, equivalent to approximately US$294,000.
All confiscated wildlife has been transferred to the North Sulawesi Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) for proper care and further management. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to explore the possible involvement of other individuals within the trafficking network.
Source: Original
