Getting Information From Papua, Maluku BKSDA Raids KM Sirimau To Transport Dozens Of Protected Animals

Officers secured a number of protected birds at KM Sirimau while leaning at Saumlaki Pier, South Tanimbar District, Tanimbar Islands Regency. (ANTARA/Simon)

MALUKU - A total of 24 protected animals were secured from KM Sirimau who rested at Saumlaki Pier, Tanimbar Islands Regency, Maluku Province.

Acting Section for Conservation of Region III Saumlaki BKSDA Maluku Franston Kunu said the confiscated evidence had been secured at the animal conservation center of the Tanimbar Islands Regency.

"The animals that were secured were 24 black-headed parrots or black-headed kasturi (Lorius lory) and five yellow-crested cockatoos (Cacatua pulphurea)," he said in Saumlaki, Maluku, Wednesday, May 10, which was confiscated by Antara.

According to him, dozens of birds were secured from Hermawan WA, a crew member of the ship (ABK) KM Sirimau, who claimed to have been entrusted by someone at Agats Port, a district in Asmat Regency, South Papua Province.

"Yesterday, we received information from our colleagues in Papua that this ship was loading dozens of protected animals. Therefore, we conducted an inspection and found the birds in the hold of the lower ship," he said.

After being investigated, Hermawan admitted that he received dozens of protected animals from someone named Aris and was about to be dispatched to Kupang port, East Nusa Tenggara.

Therefore, Hermawan, who has only committed this act once, is only fostered to stop repeating his actions. In addition, the birds also do not belong to him but belong to other people.

"We told him to make a statement on the seal and witnessed by the 1st and 3rd KM Sirimau sub-district," he said.

In addition, the Conservation Section of Region III Saumlaki BKSDA Maluku also secured several Tanimbar parrots from a number of passengers at Saumlaki Port who were about to be taken out of the area.

"The birds are endemic animals so that their physical condition will be rehabilitated later and if they are suitable for release, a translocation or transfer of animals from Saumlaki to the area of origin of this animal will be carried out or released again," he said.

Meanwhile, Mualim 1 KM Sirimau Suprihatit admitted that he was not aware of the storage of protected animals on ships. In addition, he also admitted that so far his party had never served the storage of protected animals.

"We have clarified to the officers and we also apologize for this incident," he said.

Suprihati said that Hermawan is a crew member who has just worked at KM Sirimau in the field of P2 or in the field of service.

"We will forward this report to PT Pelni's human resources to be brought under control in accordance with applicable regulations," he said.