Enviro News Asia, Surabaya – Dozens of rare and protected birds were seized by a joint task force from the passenger ships KM Labobar (Ambon–Makassar–Surabaya route) and KM Dharma Kencana VII (Makassar–Surabaya). The birds were confiscated due to a lack of proper documentation.
The joint operation involved the East Java Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Center (BKHIT), the Naval Military Police (Pomal) of Lantamal V Surabaya, and the Natural Resources Conservation Section (SKW) III Surabaya – East Java Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA). Conducted at Tanjung Perak Port, Surabaya, on Sunday, February 23, 2025, the operation aimed to prevent illegal wildlife trade, which threatens Indonesia’s biodiversity.
Thanks to the officers’ vigilance, the following birds were found on KM Labobar: one Triton’s cockatoo ( Cacatua galerita triton ), 14 Meyer’s lorikeets ( Trichoglossus meyeri ), and one Moluccan lory ( Eos bornea ).
Meanwhile, on KM Dharma Kencana VII, officers confiscated 13 Sulawesi black pigeons ( Turacoena manadensis ), 47 Baya weavers ( Ploceus manyar ), 18 flame-browed starlings ( Enodes erythrophris ), and five fiery-butted starlings ( Scissirostrum dubium ).
According to a press release from the Ministry of Forestry, authorities are still investigating the ownership of these animals. The investigation remains ongoing, with all parties committed to thoroughly addressing the case.
While the investigation proceeds, BBKSDA East Java has evacuated all the birds to the Wildlife Rescue Unit (WRU) for rehabilitation before their eventual release. Many of the birds were found to be stressed due to the long journey in poor conditions.
Illegal wildlife trade is not only a violation of the law but also a serious threat to ecosystem sustainability. The Triton’s cockatoo and Moluccan lory, for instance, are classified as vulnerable species, with their populations declining in their natural habitats. Without strict enforcement and collective awareness, the beautiful sounds and vibrant colors of Indonesia’s birds could disappear from our forests forever.
