Riau Police Wants To Buy And Sell Protected Animals Through Social Media

The Head of Public Relations of the Riau Police, Kombes Sunarto (center), shows a number of evidences of animals and parts of protected animals (Photo: ANTARA/HO-Riau Police)

RIAU - Riau Police is wary of illegally buying and selling protected animals or animal parts through social media. This follows the disclosure of cases of protected animals some time ago.

The Head of Public Relations of the Riau Police, Kombes Sunarto, said that the community could take part in maintaining the protected animal ecosystem. Even if you find cases of selling, hunting or killing animals, you can report them to the authorities.

"We convey this appeal so that we can pass it on to our grandchildren," said Sunarto in his written statement, Antara, Tuesday, July 20.

Earlier on Friday, July 2, the Riau Police Special Criminal Investigation Directorate arrested AH (28) in connection with the criminal act of Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems.

AH is suspected of selling hornbills (Buceros rhinoceros) and Sumatran tiger hooves.

The perpetrator, from Tambang District, Kampar Regency, Riau, was arrested at the Pertamina gas station area on Jalan HR Soebrantas, Tampan District, Pekanbaru City while waiting for the buyer of the protected animal parts.

AH stated that the hornbill beak came from the Kalimantan area which was purchased through social media at a price of Rp. 1.1 million. The perpetrators also admitted that they would sell it at a price of Rp. 15 million.

The amount of evidence that was seized was five hornbills and one Sumatran tiger hooves, which will be sold again.

AH was charged with Article 21 paragraph (2) letter d in conjunction with Article 40 paragraph (2) of Law Number 5/1990 concerning Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and Ecosystems in conjunction with Article 55 of the Criminal Code with a maximum imprisonment of five years and a maximum fine of Rp. 100 million.

In addition, the sale of hornbills also violated the Regulation of the Minister of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia Number P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018.