Maluku BKSDA Fails To Smuggle 22 Protected Animals In Saumlaki

The Maluku Province Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) managed to secure 22 protected animals on board the Gunung Leuser ship from Merauke port to Surabaya port which was carried by passengers with entrusted status.

The 22 protected animals, namely, 19 black-headed parrots, two yellow-crested cockatoos and one spinach parrot.

"Yes, our officers managed to secure this type of protected animal in Saumlaki," said the Maluku BKSDA Forest Police (Polhut), Seto, quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, May 31.

He said, for the ownership of this animal, it was not yet known who the owner was. Because when examined by officers, only dozens of protected animals were found.

"Unfortunately, for the ownership of the birds, the perpetrators were not found on the ship by our officers," he said.

Seto admitted that the protected animals are thought to have come from Merauke and the animals have now been secured at the Souaki Animal Conservation Station.

"The condition of the animals is still wild but must first undergo quarantine in the next few weeks," said Seto.

Based on the provisions of Law no. 5 of 1990 concerning Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and their Ecosystems, it is stated that anyone who deliberately catches, injures, injures, kills, keeps, maintains, transports, and trades protected animals alive; (Article 21 paragraph (2) letter a), is threatened with a maximum imprisonment of five years and a maximum fine of Rp. 100 million (Article 40 paragraph (2)).