Prosecutors Promise Maximum Demand For Trade Suspects 15.52 Kg Pangolin Scales In West Kalimantan

The Ministry of Law and Human Rights Gakkum officer considered the evidence of pangolin scales (Manis Javanica) which were successfully secured as evidence in an operation in Mempawah Regency, West Kalimantan, Sunday (3/8/2025) BETWEEN/HO-Kemenhut

The Public Prosecutor (JPU) of the Sanggau District Attorney confirmed that he would impose a maximum charge against the defendant DL in the case of illegal trading pangolin scales in Sanggau Regency, West Kalimantan (West Kalimantan).

"This demand is currently being drafted carefully to ensure legal justice and provide a deterrent effect on perpetrators of crimes against protected animals," said Public Prosecutor Robin Pratama, when confirmed by telephone, Thursday.

Robin explained, at the 11th trial which was originally held at the Sanggau District Court on Tuesday (5/8/2025) yesterday, with the agenda of reading the charges, it had to be postponed until this Thursday. This postponement was made at the request of the Public Prosecutor who stated that it still needed additional time to finalize the letter of demand more carefully and proportionally.

"Last Tuesday's agenda was actually for reading the charges. However, we from the prosecutor still need time to prepare a letter of demand carefully, we make sure that next week we will read out the charges against the defendant," he said.

Robin emphasized that his party was re-investigating case files, including comparing them with similar cases to avoid prosecution disparities. He said that the preparation of demands considers the serious impact of crimes against wildlife, especially pangolins, which are now on the list of the most endangered mammals in the world.

In the previous trial, Wednesday (30/7/2025), the Public Prosecutor presented key witness Maria Endang who had already been convicted in a similar case. In front of the panel of judges, Maria admitted that she had made a sale and purchase transaction of pangolin scales with the defendant DL at the defendant's house located in the Toba area, Sanggau Regency.

"Maria Endang admitted that the transaction was carried out directly at DL's house. The transaction value stated reached around Rp. 15 million, although the witness admitted that he did not remember how many times the transaction occurred," said Robin.

This admission further strengthens the indictment against DL, which is suspected to be part of a protected animal trafficking network in the West Kalimantan region.

Robin confirmed that the defendant DL was charged with Law Number 32 of 2024 concerning Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and their Ecosystems. The threat of punishment in this case is relatively severe, with imprisonment of at least 3 years and a maximum of up to 20 years, depending on the evidence of the elements of the articles charged.

In addition, the defendant's actions also violated Government Regulation Number 7 of 1999 concerning Misappropriation of Plant and Animal Types, which strictly prohibits trading of pangolins in any form, including scales.

"We want to ensure that the demands we file are not only fair and proportional, but also a stern warning to all parties involved in the trade in protected animals," he said.

This case is a widespread concern in West Kalimantan, considering the practice of trading pangolin scales is still rampant and threatens the preservation of species that have an important role in the ecosystem.

The public also invites the public to continue to oversee this legal process and report if they find indications of illegal trade in protected animals in the vicinity.