Enviro News Asia, Nusa Tenggara — A joint enforcement team from the Ministry of Forestry and the Indonesian National Police disrupted an armed poaching operation inside the Komodo National Park conservation area, preventing further illegal hunting of protected wildlife and securing multiple suspects during the operation.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, December 14, at around 02:30 Central Indonesia Time, when officers detected a wooden vessel suspected of carrying poachers in the waters near Loh Serikaya, Komodo Island. The operation involved personnel from the Forest Law Enforcement Agency, the Water Police Directorate of the National Police Headquarters, the Water Police of East Nusa Tenggara Police, the Criminal Investigation Unit of West Manggarai Police, and the Komodo National Park authority.
Head of the Forest Law Enforcement Office for Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara at the Ministry of Forestry, Aswin Bangun, stated that officers attempted to stop and inspect the vessel after identifying suspicious activity. He explained that the suspects ignored warnings and attempted to flee, while also opening fire on the enforcement team.
He added that the joint team responded in a professional and measured manner by issuing warning shots to halt the armed resistance and prevent casualties. When the suspects continued to resist and evade arrest, officers escalated law enforcement measures in accordance with operational procedures.
The armed confrontation continued into the waters of the Sape Strait, Bima Regency, West Nusa Tenggara. Due to persistent resistance and escape attempts, officers disabled the speedboat used by the poaching group, causing the vessel to break apart and sink. The operation resulted in the arrest of three suspected poachers.
During a subsequent sweep of the area, officers recovered evidence including deer carcasses, homemade firearms, ammunition, and bladed weapons. Preliminary information indicates that the poaching group consisted of eight individuals. Five suspects remain at large, including the alleged group leader identified by the initials MS.
According to investigators, MS is a repeat offender in wildlife poaching cases and has long been listed as a priority target by the Forest Law Enforcement Directorate of the Ministry of Forestry. Authorities confirmed that the investigation and manhunt remain ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects and dismantle the poaching network operating in the protected area. (*)
