Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — The Supreme Court of the Republic of Indonesia (MA) has granted the cassation appeal filed by the Public Prosecutor (JPU) of the Pandeglang District Attorney’s Office in the case of Javan rhino horn trafficking involving the defendant Liem Hoo Kwan Willy, also known as Willy.
The Supreme Court’s ruling overturns the previous acquittal handed down by the Pandeglang District Court (PN). In its cassation verdict, the Court sentenced Willy to one year in prison and imposed a fine of IDR 100 million, with an additional three months of imprisonment in lieu of payment. Willy was charged under Article 21 paragraph (2) letter d of Law No. 5 of 1990 concerning the Conservation of Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems.
The case stemmed from an illegal transaction involving the sale of Javan rhino horn obtained through poaching in Ujung Kulon National Park (TNUK), the last remaining habitat of the Javan rhino. Willy was arrested by the Banten Regional Police after being strongly suspected of purchasing the poached rhino horn. However, the Pandeglang District Court acquitted him in the first trial, citing insufficient evidence to support the charges.
In response, the Public Prosecutor of the Pandeglang District Attorney’s Office filed a cassation to the Supreme Court. During the cassation process, the prosecutor successfully convinced the panel of Supreme Court judges that the submitted evidence was sufficient to prove Willy’s involvement in the illegal wildlife trade.
Regarding Javan rhino poaching in Ujung Kulon National Park, on June 5, 2024, the Pandeglang District Court found Sunendi guilty of poaching Javan rhinos and sentenced him to 12 years in prison and a fine of IDR 100 million, with an alternative of two months in prison.
For six other perpetrators, including Sahru and associates, on February 12, 2025, the Pandeglang District Court found them guilty of Javan rhino poaching in the national park. Sahru was sentenced to 12 years in prison, while the other five were sentenced to 11 years. All were fined IDR 100 million (with three months in prison in lieu) and ordered to pay court fees of IDR 5,000.
In addition, on July 25, 2024, the Pandeglang District Court sentenced Yogi Purwadi — the intermediary in the rhino horn sale — to four years and six months in prison and a fine of IDR 100 million, or three months in prison if unpaid.
Nanda Nababan, Coordinator of the Indonesian Wildlife Crime Lawyers and Researchers Association (APKSLI), stated that the Supreme Court’s cassation decision was appropriate. According to him, the sale transaction would not have occurred without Willy’s active involvement.
Satyawan Pudyatmoko, Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE) at the Ministry of Forestry, expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Pandeglang District Attorney’s Office for pursuing the cassation and to the Supreme Court for making the right decision.
According to Satyawan, this decision complements all efforts made to protect the Javan rhino on every front — including poachers, facilitators, and both domestic and international buyers. The Supreme Court’s ruling sends a clear signal that Indonesian law does not tolerate the illegal trade of parts from endangered species.
