Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – The Ministry of Forestry has expressed deep concern over a recent case of illegal poaching that led to the death of a Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae). The tiger was killed after being caught in a snare set by poachers in Tibawan Village, Rokan IV Koto District, Rokan Hulu Regency, Riau Province.
“This incident serves as a serious reminder of the ongoing threats faced by this endangered species and reaffirms our commitment, as the Ministry of Forestry, to protecting Indonesia’s biodiversity,” said Satyawan Pudyatmoko, Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE), in a press release on Thursday, March 6, 2025.
Earlier, the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) received a report on March 2, 2025, regarding a Sumatran tiger caught in a snare. Upon receiving the report, officers immediately coordinated with law enforcement and the local community to verify the information and secure the location. However, by the time the team arrived on March 3, 2025, the tiger was no longer present. The team later discovered evidence, including a broken snare, strongly indicating poaching activity by individuals that resulted in the tiger’s death.
Following an investigation conducted in collaboration with the Rokan IV Koto Police, Rokan IV Koto Military Command, and the Arsari Foundation, six suspects were arrested. They are allegedly involved in the killing, transportation, and skinning of the Sumatran tiger. Seized evidence included machetes, snares, tiger bones, tiger skin and meat, mobile phones, and a vehicle used to transport the tiger’s carcass out of the village.
Satyawan emphasized that the Ministry of Forestry strongly condemns this illegal poaching and asserts that anyone found guilty will face legal action under Law No. 5 of 1990 on the Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems, which carries criminal penalties for offenders.
“This incident is a tragedy for Indonesia’s wildlife conservation. The Ministry of Forestry is committed to taking firm action against poachers and illegal traders of Sumatran tigers and other protected wildlife. We continue to strengthen wildlife protection measures through intensive patrols, raising public awareness, and collaborating with various stakeholders,” he stated.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Forestry urges the public to actively participate in preserving Sumatran tigers. This includes, first, refraining from hunting, harming, or killing protected wildlife. Second, maintaining ecosystem balance by not hunting the prey species of Sumatran tigers. Third, reporting any illegal wildlife-related activities to the authorities.
“This case serves as a reminder that conservation efforts require collaboration from all parties, including the government, communities, and businesses, to ensure that Sumatran tigers continue to thrive in their natural habitat,” Satyawan concluded.
