3 Honey Bears Cross the Sea, South Kalimantan Quarantine Ensure Safe and Healthy

BANJARMASIN - The South Kalimantan Provincial Animal, Fish and Plant Quarantine Office is closely monitoring the translocation of three sun bears (Helarctos malayanus), protected animals, from Central Kalimantan to East Java as part of support for the national conservation program.

Head of the South Kalimantan Quarantine, Erwin A M Dabukke, said the three honey bears belonging to the Central Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) were transferred to the East Java BKSDA through the Trisakti Port, Banjarmasin.

"Animal quarantine measures are carried out to ensure that the animal transfer process is carried out in accordance with the provisions and to ensure the health and welfare of animals during inter-regional traffic," said Erwin in Banjarmasin, Tuesday, January 27.

According to him, the translocation is part of the management of protected wildlife outside the conservation area or ex situ, so that the animals can get further treatment and a more suitable environment at the destination location.

The South Kalimantan Quarantine Officer, continued Erwin, carried out a thorough examination of the type and number of animals, health conditions, and completeness of the required documents.

The examination is aimed at ensuring that the honey bears that are transported are in good health and free from contagious animal diseases, in accordance with the applicable quarantine standards.

Erwin emphasized that his party was committed to supporting the protection and supervision of wildlife and rare animals through synergy with the BKSDA in various regions.

"The results of the examination showed that all honey bears were in good health and the administrative documents were declared complete, so that the South Kalimantan Quarantine could issue an Animal Health Certificate as the basis for spending towards East Java," he said.

He added that the implementation of the quarantine measures was in accordance with Law Number 21 of 2019 concerning Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine and Law Number 32 of 2024 concerning the Conservation of Natural Living Resources and Ecosystems.

"Through this supervision, we ensure that protected animal traffic is orderly and safe, as well as supporting the sustainability of honey bear conservation efforts in Indonesia," said Erwin.