15-Year Prison Threat Awaits Wildlife Trafficker in Manado

The Ministry of Forestry, through the Directorate General of Forestry Law Enforcement, has officially handed over a suspect, identified only as AF, along with evidence to the Manado District Prosecutor’s Office. The transfer on Tuesday (23/6) followed the prosecutor’s declaration that the case file was complete (P-21), marking the end of the investigation phase. The case will now proceed to prosecution and trial. The animals are currently being cared for at the North Sulawesi Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), where they are receiving health monitoring and care pending further conservation measures. Head of the Sulawesi Region Forestry Law Enforcement Agency, Ali Bahri, stated that the transfer is a crucial step to ensure conservation crimes are processed thoroughly. He noted that wildlife trade not only threatens natural populations but also reveals marketing networks exploiting demand for exotic species. The case began with an operation in Manado on 10 June, following a report from BKSDA about suspected illegal wildlife circulation. Officers apprehended AF while he was transporting protected wildlife by land to a prospective buyer in Tolitoli Regency, Central Sulawesi. Two Palm Cockatoos (Probosciger aterrimus) were found in his vehicle. A subsequent search of his residence uncovered a juvenile Cassowary (Casuarius unappendiculatus). None of the animals had valid permits. Investigations revealed AF acted as a caretaker and sales agent on the orders of an individual whose identity remains under investigation, receiving a commission for his role. Expert testimony confirmed both species are protected by law, making their possession, transport, or trade without permits illegal. AF is charged under Article 40A paragraph (1) letter d in conjunction with Article 21 paragraph (2) letter a of Law Number 32 of 2024, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to IDR 5 billion. Officials emphasised that the case demonstrates the government’s serious commitment to tackling wildlife crime, particularly in the biodiverse Wallacea region, and serves as a warning that protected species are not commodities.