Enviro News Asia, Manado — Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry has detained a suspect identified as AA (34) for the illegal possession and trade of protected wildlife in North Sulawesi, reinforcing the government’s commitment to combating crimes against endangered species.
The Forestry Law Enforcement Agency for Sulawesi, known as Balai Gakkum Kehutanan Wilayah Sulawesi, placed the suspect in detention at the Class II A Manado Detention Center following an investigation into the unlawful ownership of protected birds.
Head of the Sulawesi Forestry Law Enforcement Agency, Ali Bahri, said the case reflects a firm stance against wildlife crimes and that investigators are continuing to trace the broader network behind the operation, including potential financiers.
He emphasized that the successful operation resulted from close coordination between forestry law enforcement officers and the Balai Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam Sulawesi Utara, along with other relevant stakeholders.
BKSDA North Sulawesi Head Danny Pattipeilohy confirmed full institutional support for the legal process and stated that joint monitoring efforts to curb illegal wildlife trade in the province will continue. He also acknowledged the role of the public, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the National Police, and forestry enforcement officers in disrupting illegal trafficking networks.
During the operation, investigators seized 24 live protected birds, including cockatoos, cassowaries, crowned pigeons, and a brahminy kite. Authorities secured the animals as evidence and transferred them for further conservation handling.
The case originated from a public report submitted to BKSDA North Sulawesi regarding suspected illegal wildlife trade. Officers subsequently secured the suspect and evidence before handing the case over to forestry civil investigators for formal inquiry.
Based on preliminary findings, the suspect allegedly obtained the protected birds from hunters operating around the port area in Sorong and planned to sell them in Bitung at varying prices.
Investigators charged the suspect under Article 40A paragraph (1) letter d in conjunction with Article 21 paragraph (2) letter a of Law No. 32 of 2024, amending Law No. 5 of 1990 on the Conservation of Living Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems. The offense carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years. (*)
