Detained By BKSDA, Traders In Central Sulawesi Pretext Selling Eagles For IDR 1 Million Through Facebook Because They Don't Understand The Law

The Bondol Eagle is placed in a temporary captive cage at the BKSDA Office of Central Sulawesi Province, in Palu/Via ANTARA

PALU - The Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) has confiscated two protected animals, namely the Bondol eagle and the sea eagle from the wildlife traders in Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi Province.

"We confiscated this animal from one of the people who tried to trade it through social media last Sunday, July 24," said Head of the Central Sulawesi BKSDA Hasmuni Hasmar who was met in Palu, Antara, Tuesday, July 26.

He explained that the confiscation began with information on the sale and purchase of protected animals through Facebook social media, which was then followed up by the Central Sulawesi BKSDA team.

From the hands of traders, this protected animal is sold for Rp. 1 million. The person admitted that he did not know the regulations regarding the protection of animals (Elang).

"The perpetrator has made a statement not to repeat his actions, at the same time we explained to him that the eagle is one of the endemic protected animals, so it should not be traded, let alone intentionally hunting, it can be subject to criminal sanctions," said Hasmuni​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

He stated that the Sulawesi endemic animal was to be kept in temporary captivity at the Central Sulawesi BKSDA Office, and the plan was to release it back to commemorate National Nature Conservation Day later in August 2022.

Therefore, BKSDA urges the public not to capture, maintain, kill or trade protected animals.

"According to Law Number 5 of 1990 concerning Conservation and Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia Number 7 of 1999 concerning types of wild animals that are protected by law. It is also emphasized that all types of eagles and forest cats, including protected wildlife species," said Hasmuni.