The Smuggling Of Hundreds Of Illegal Animals From Makassar To Surabaya Was Thwarted

DOK Surabaya Agricultural Quarantine Center

SURABAYA - The Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) through Surabaya Agricultural Quarantine thwarted the smuggling of 633 birds and turtles from Makassar. Hundreds of birds are not equipped with documents and health documents from the area of origin.

The person in charge of the Surabaya Agricultural Quarantine in the Tanjung Perak working area, Tetty Maria, said the slaughter of hundreds of animals was carried out following up information from the public. The team combed every corner of the ship, including all means of conveyance in the form of trucks.

"After we and police officers from the Tanjung Perak Surabaya Police conducted an examination, finally hundreds of birds and turtles were found in a truck aboard KM Dharma Rucitra from Makassar," said Tetty, in Surabaya, Tuesday, March 2.

According to Tetty, the hundreds of animals were sent from Makassar in the 633 mode of the animals being packed in plastic baskets and wire cages. Then hidden behind the driver's seat and above the head of the truck.

"The transportation means used are (three) trucks," he said.

During January-February, said Tetty, there were five cases of non-documented or illegal importation of wild animals through the port of Tanjung Perak, Surabaya. The total number of animals that were secured during this period was 1,629 from Ende, Banjarmasin and Makassar.

Meanwhile, Head of Surabaya Agricultural Quarantine, Mussyafak Fauzi, said the 633 animals consisted of six white crested older brothers, 19 Tanimbar parrots, 285 turtles, 313 rio-tio starlings, and 10 Sulawesi black pigeons. Tanimbar parrots and white crested cockatoos are protected species that cannot be hunted and traded.

"Therefore, this smuggling stop is an effort to prevent the Tanimbar parrot and the white-crested cockatoo from becoming extinct," he said.

Musyaffak said that the importation of protected and documented birds clearly violates Law Number 21 of 2019 concerning Animal, Fish and Plant Quarantine. Musyaffak appealed to the public to report and check agricultural commodities that will be trafficked to the local agricultural quarantine.

"Article 88 in Law 21 of 2019 concerning Animal, Fish and Plant Quarantine, violations of inter-area quarantine requirements can be imprisoned for a maximum of 2 (two) years, and a maximum fine of Rp2 billion," said Musyaffak.