Tanjung Priok Customs Disrupts Illegal Export of 3 Tons of Pangolin Scales Worth Rp183 Billion

JAKARTA - The Directorate General of Customs and Excise of the Ministry of Finance has succeeded in thwarting an illegal export attempt of pangolin scales (Manis javanica) weighing 3,053 kilograms through the Tanjung Priok Port with the destination of Cambodia.

Head of the Type A Customs and Excise KPU Tanjung Priok, Adhang Noegroho Adhi, explained that the action was taken after officers conducted a physical examination of the exported goods contained in the Intelligence Results Note (NHI).

He added that the examination process also involved the DKI Jakarta Natural Resources Conservation Agency as the authority authorized in handling cases of wildlife trade and hunting.a

Adhang revealed that from the findings, the economic value of the pangolin scales is estimated to reach Rp. 60 million per kilogram, so that the total value is estimated at around Rp. 183 billion.

He emphasized that this step is a form of firm and just law enforcement, as well as a continued commitment to protecting protected wildlife and eradicating illegal trade practices.

Adhang added that this action was also in line with the President's direction in the Astacita program to strengthen the rule of law, as well as the instructions of the Minister of Finance for the Customs Service to act decisively against smuggling practices that harm the country and threaten the sustainability of natural resources.

"The synergy between the Customs and the BKSDA in this export action is a tangible proof that cross-sector collaboration is able to prevent and thwart attempts to smuggle protected wildlife abroad. We are committed to tightening export supervision and taking firm action against any violations that threaten the sustainability of wildlife and harm the country," said Adhang.

Chronology of the Enforcement

The case began from the results of analysis of scanning of containers which showed inconsistencies between documents and the contents of goods, namely in the Export Goods Notification (PEB) document, PT TSR reported two types of commodities, namely sea cucumber and instant noodles.

However, the scan results indicate three different compartments, which raises the suspicion of other items that are not listed.

Based on the collection and analysis of further information, an Intelligence Result Note was issued because there were indications of non-compliance of the type and classification of goods with the Temporary Suspicion, this was done to avoid the provisions of export prohibitions and/or restrictions.

Furthermore, a physical examination was carried out on a 20-foot container which was carried out on February 18, 2025, confirming the non-conformity, where officers found 99 cartons of dried animal scales of various sizes with a total weight of 3,053 kilograms.

In addition, there were 51 bags of sea cucumber weighing 1,530 kilograms, 300 cartons of instant noodles weighing 1,200 kilograms, and one piece of a wooden-like object.

To ensure the identity of the animal scales, the Customs coordinated with the Jakarta BKSDA and based on direct inspection and observation, BKSDA officers confirmed that the scales came from a pangolin (Manis javanica), which is a protected wildlife in accordance with the Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation Number P.106 of 2018.

Following up on the findings, the KPU Customs and Excise Type A Tanjung Priok immediately took action against the export activities carried out by PT TSR. The process of examining and deepening the case is still ongoing.

Adhang emphasized that the success of this disclosure shows the importance of strengthening the intelligence function, the accuracy of physical examination, and collaboration with technical agencies in maintaining the sustainability of Indonesian biodiversity.

"We will continue to improve the quality of supervision and enforcement of any violation in the field of customs, especially those related to the export of protected animals, to ensure that the law is enforced and the sustainability of Indonesian animals is maintained," he concluded.