Checkpapuanow.com – The Directorate General of Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Forestry (Gakkum Kemenhut) has uncovered an illegal trade operation involving dozens of protected animals in Mimika Regency, Central Papua. The case was revealed following reports from local residents, leading to a coordinated effort by law enforcement agencies.
In a statement released in Jakarta on Friday, Fredrik E. Tumbel, Head of the Maluku Papua Regional Law Enforcement Agency, confirmed that authorities, in collaboration with the Mimika Police, apprehended a suspect identified as ATL on March 15, 2025. During the operation, officials seized dozens of protected birds and a cuscus at the suspect’s residence.
“We will continue to investigate and expand our efforts to dismantle this illegal network trafficking in protected wildlife. This operation demonstrates the government’s strong commitment to safeguarding Indonesia’s biodiversity, particularly protected flora and fauna, from threats and criminal activities,” Tumbel stated.
Authorities have officially designated ATL as a suspect. The investigation is ongoing under the supervision of the Maluku Papua Regional Law Enforcement Agency.
Seized evidence includes 10 Sulphur-crested Cockatoos (Cacatua galerita), four Salmon-crested Cockatoos (Cacatua moluccensis), two Palm Cockatoos (Probosciger aterrimus), 49 Black-capped Lories (Lorius lory), two Rainbow Lorikeets (Trichoglossus haematodus), four Yellow-streaked Lories (Chalcopsitta scintillata), two Eclectus Parrots (Eclectus roratus), and one cuscus (Phalangeridae). All animals were found alive and have been secured at the regional office of the Papua Natural Resources Conservation Center in Mimika.
The suspect’s arrest resulted from a joint operation conducted by the SPORC Kangaroo Brigade of the Jayapura Regional Section III Law Enforcement Agency and the Mimika Police. This operation was launched in response to public reports about the illegal trade of protected wildlife in the area.
Following an initial investigation, officials charged ATL under Indonesia’s Environmental Protection Law. The suspect faces allegations of illegal hunting, capturing, injuring, killing, possessing, transporting, and trading protected wildlife. Under Article 40A, Paragraph 1(d) in conjunction with Article 21, Paragraph 2(a) of Law No. 32 of 2024, the suspect could face a maximum prison sentence of 15 years.
“Given the vital role protected wildlife plays in preserving biodiversity, ecosystems, and conservation areas, strict enforcement against such crimes is necessary. Offenders must face the harshest penalties to serve as a deterrent to others,” Tumbel emphasized.
The case highlights the ongoing battle against illegal wildlife trade in Indonesia. Authorities continue to urge the public to report any suspicious activities related to wildlife trafficking to support conservation efforts and protect the country’s rich biodiversity.
