15.52 Kg Of Pangolin Scales For Sale Seized In West Kalimantan, Perpetrator Subjected To Natural Resource Conservation Charges

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut), through the Directorate General of Law Enforcement (Gakkum), has again thwarted the trade of 15.52 kilograms of protected pangolin (Manis javanica) scales and arrested the perpetrator in Mempawah Regency, West Kalimantan (Kalbar).

"We take firm action against any violations related to the distribution and trade of protected animals. This activity is part of our commitment to protecting the ecosystem and forest sustainability, and enforcing the law against the distribution and trade of protected animals in the West Kalimantan region," said Leonardo Gultom, Head of the Kalimantan Forestry Law Enforcement Agency, as confirmed in Jakarta on Wednesday, as reported by Antara.

He expressed his appreciation for all parties for their support in handling the case. He continued, explaining that the successful uncovering of the trade in endangered animal body parts is a result of collaborative efforts between law enforcement and a testament to the government's commitment to protecting Indonesia's biodiversity.

Leonardo stated that the perpetrator, identified as BLJ, was found in possession of, storing, and transporting 15.52 kilograms of pangolin scales in a cardboard box inside a car.

The case was uncovered based on information from the public regarding protected wildlife being traded from Bengkayang Regency to Mempawah Regency.

Based on this information, he said, the Kalimantan Forestry Law Enforcement Agency (Bakkum) conducted an in-depth investigation and conducted an operation. On Sunday, August 3, the suspect and evidence were apprehended, which is being investigated further.

The suspect, BLJ, is being held at the Pontianak Class II A Detention Center and charged with crimes related to the conservation of natural resources and their ecosystems. He faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to IDR 5 billion.

On the same occasion, the Director General of Bakkum at the Ministry of Forestry, Dwi Januato Nurgroho, stated that his office is continuously improving the quality of its human resources and strengthening cooperation with law enforcement officials and other institutions in efforts to prevent, combat, and dismantle illegal wildlife crime networks.

"Because protected animals like pangolins, if not protected, will become extinct and result in ecosystem and forest destruction. The state's rights to forests and forest products, protected plants and wildlife must be safeguarded so that future generations can continue to enjoy them," he said.