The hunt for Sumatran elephants is not a minor crime, Gerindra legislator appreciates the work of the Riau Police 

Member of Commission III of the DPR Gerindra Party Faction Muhammad Rahul/DOK IST

Member of Commission III of the DPR, Gerindra Party Faction, Muhammad Rahul, appreciates the Riau Police for successfully uncovering a network of illegal hunting and trading of Sumatran elephants in Pelalawan Regency.

This success is considered to show the presence of the state in protecting biological wealth and forest ecosystems in Riau Province.

"I give my highest appreciation to the Riau Police Chief and his staff for uncovering this elephant hunting case. This shows that law enforcement officers work seriously, professionally, and do not give room for environmental crime perpetrators," Rahul told reporters, Wednesday, March 4.

As a representative of the people from Riau, Rahul assessed that this case was a concern because it concerned the ecological identity of the region as well as the sustainability of the habitat of protected animals which are an important part of the natural balance.

Therefore, he also gave an award to the Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan for his commitment and leadership in ensuring that the case was thoroughly investigated.

Rahul also appreciated the work of the police, starting from the Director of General Criminal Investigation of the Riau Police, Hasyim Risahondua, the Director of Special Criminal Investigation of the Riau Police, Ade Kuncoro, to the Pelalawan Police Chief, John Letedara, who was considered capable of synergizing from the beginning of the discovery of the case to the disclosure of the network of perpetrators.

"This success is the result of collaborative work. Ditreskrimum and Ditreskrimsus were able to dismantle the construction of the case comprehensively, while the Pelalawan Police moved quickly in the field. This shows that internal police coordination is effective and structured," he said.

Rahul hopes that the legal process against the perpetrators will run optimally so that it has a deterrent effect. Moreover, this crime often involves a complex network.

"Crimes against protected animals are not minor crimes. This concerns the future of the environment and future generations. I hope that the sentence imposed will send a clear message that Riau is not a place for poachers," he said.

"Riau must be a safe area for protected animals and their ecosystems. I believe that with the leadership of the Riau Regional Police Chief and the solid work of the ranks, the commitment to protect forests and wildlife will continue to be strengthened," concluded Rahul.