Prosecutors Demand 3.3 Years In Prison For Pangolin Scale Trade Perpetrators Rp15 Million In West Kalimantan

Proses persidangan kasus perdagangan Sisik Tringgiling di Kejari Sanggau (ANTARA/HO: Yayasan Kolase)

The prosecutor demanded 3 years and 3 months in prison for the defendant Dominikus Loin alias DL in the case of illegal trading pangolin scales in Sanggau Regency, West Kalimantan (West Kalimantan).

The Public Prosecutor (JPU) of the Sanggau District Attorney's Office, Robin Pratama, said the defendant was also charged a fine of Rp. 1 billion, subsidiary to 3 months in prison.

"Asking the panel of judges to impose a decision stating that the defendant is guilty of trading, storing, or possessing parts of the protected animal," said Public Prosecutor Robin when reading out his demands at the Sanggau District Court, West Kalimantan, Friday, August 15, which was confiscated by Antara.

He stated that the defendant DL was proven to have violated Article 40A paragraph (1) letter F in conjunction with Article 21 paragraph (2) letter C of Law no. 5 of 1990 concerning Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems as amended by Law no. 32 of 2024.

During the trial, the Public Prosecutor presented seven witnesses and two experts to strengthen the evidence. The burdensome consideration, said Robin, was the defendant's act which was deemed not to support the government's program to preserve endangered animals in Indonesia, especially pangolins.

However, the prosecutor also noted a number of mitigating factors, such as the defendant's confession, his status as the backbone of the family, and has never been convicted before.

In his indictment, Robin explained that there was a sale and purchase transaction of pangolin scales worth Rp. 15 million between the defendant and Maria Endang, who had previously been convicted in a similar case. The transaction was carried out at the defendant's house in Toba, Sanggau.

Forensic Digital Expert, Haryo Pradityo, also revealed evidence from the defendant's cellphone in the form of WhatsApp conversations, photos, locations, and contact lists related to the trading of pangolin scales. Several data were allegedly deleted, including a suspicious contact named Bos Maria Stg which blocked each other with the defendant.

Haryo also explained the use of covert terms such as kerupuk' and keripik to disguise transactions. The testimony of this expert strengthens the indictment despite the defense team's debate.

Maria Endang's testimony and digital findings are key evidence that strengthens the charges of illegal trade in protected animals. The trial will continue next week with the agenda of defense (pledoi) from the defendant.