The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry has seized 1.38 kilograms of protected Javan pangolin (Manis javanica) scales in Sintang Regency, West Kalimantan, exposing illegal trading activities.
Leonardo Gultom, Head of the Kalimantan Forestry Law Enforcement Agency, confirmed on Monday that authorities had arrested the suspect HLY and confiscated evidence including 1.38 kilograms of pangolin scales and a mobile phone.
“This operation demonstrates our determination to protect Indonesia's biological resources. We will not tolerate the illegal hunting or trading of protected wildlife and their parts,” Gultom said.
Investigations revealed that HLY arrived in Pontianak on February 19 and went to Sintang on February 23 to obtain the pangolin scales. It is known that the suspect became involved in the pangolin scale trading network via social media. During a search at a hotel in Sintang, law enforcement officers discovered the scales inside a black plastic bag.
HLY is suspected of violating the Law on the Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and Ecosystems by illegally storing, possessing, transporting, and trading protected animals or their parts; the offense is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to 3 trillion rupiah (approximately 1.7 million USD).
Gultom emphasized that law enforcement agencies will strictly hold perpetrators accountable under the latest laws, as wildlife crimes are serious offenses that disrupt ecological balance. The suspect will be prosecuted under Law No. 32 of 2024 and Law No. 1 of 2026.
“This operation demonstrates our determination to protect Indonesia's biological resources. We will not tolerate the illegal hunting or trading of protected wildlife and their parts,” Gultom said.
Investigations revealed that HLY arrived in Pontianak on February 19 and went to Sintang on February 23 to obtain the pangolin scales. It is known that the suspect became involved in the pangolin scale trading network via social media. During a search at a hotel in Sintang, law enforcement officers discovered the scales inside a black plastic bag.
HLY is suspected of violating the Law on the Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and Ecosystems by illegally storing, possessing, transporting, and trading protected animals or their parts; the offense is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to 3 trillion rupiah (approximately 1.7 million USD).
Gultom emphasized that law enforcement agencies will strictly hold perpetrators accountable under the latest laws, as wildlife crimes are serious offenses that disrupt ecological balance. The suspect will be prosecuted under Law No. 32 of 2024 and Law No. 1 of 2026.