3-Ton Pangolin Scales Worth Rp183 Billion Foiled in Smuggling Attempt at Priok
Customs at Tanjung Priok thwarted an illicit export of 3,053 kilograms of pangolin scales (Manis javanica) at the port. The contraband was reportedly destined for Cambodia. The discovery stemmed from a physical inspection of an export consignment that appeared in the Intelligence Result Note (NHI).
In the operation, Customs coordinated with the Jakarta Branch of the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) to identify the material. Preliminary checks confirmed the scales originated from pangolins, a protected species.
The total value of the pangolin scales is estimated at around Rp183 billion, assuming a sale price of about Rp60 million per kilogram.
Head of the Type A Customs and Excise Office at Tanjung Priok, Adhang Noegroho Adhi, said the action represented firm law enforcement and formed part of efforts to protect protected wildlife and to combat illegal wildlife trade.
“Synergy between Customs and BKSDA in this export enforcement is tangible proof that cross‑sector collaboration can prevent and thwart attempts to smuggle protected wildlife abroad. We are committed to tightening export controls and taking firm action against violations that threaten wildlife conservation and harm the state,” Adhang said in Jakarta on Wednesday (4 March).
The case was uncovered after officers performed a cargo scanning analysis and detected anomalies in the load. In the export declaration (PEB) of PT TSR, the declared goods were listed as sea cucumbers (teripang) and instant noodles only.
However, the scanning results showed three separate compartments, suggesting undisclosed goods.
Based on information gathering and analysis, Customs issued the Intelligence Result Note (NHI) due to indications of an Incorrect declaration of commodity type and tariff code, suspected to be an attempt to circumvent export prohibitions and/or restrictions (Lartas).
Physical inspection of one 20‑foot container was conducted on 18 February 2025. The officers found 99 cartons of dried pangolin scales weighing a total of 3,053 kg, along with other cargo including 1,530 kg of sea cucumbers, 1,200 kg of instant noodles, and one item resembling a piece of wood.
Because rapid identification was required, Customs enlisted the Jakarta BKSDA. BKSDA confirmed that the scales were from pangolins (Manis javanica), a protected species listed in the Appendix of Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation No P.106 of 2018.
At present, Tanjung Priok Customs is continuing the examination and deeper inquiry into the alleged export violations by PT TSR.
Separately, the BKSDA Jakarta head, Darman, emphasised that under Law No. 5 of 1990 and its amendments, Law No. 32 of 2024, Article 21(2) prohibits any person from possessing, keeping, maintaining, transporting, and trading skins, bodies, or other parts of protected animals.
The Tanjung Priok Customs also expressed appreciation to BKSDA Jakarta for identifying protected wildlife and to the BBKHIT (Centre for Animal, Fish and Plant Quarantine) of Jakarta for oversight of fishery commodities, particularly sea cucumbers.