Andra Soni Praises Indonesian Navy for Thwarting Smuggling of 780 Kg of Pangolin Scales

The success is regarded as a concrete step in maintaining territorial sovereignty while protecting Indonesia’s biodiversity from illegal cross-border trade practices.

“The Banten Provincial Government extends its highest appreciation to the Indonesian Navy. This is tangible proof that the state is present in safeguarding our waters and conserving protected wildlife,” stated Andra in his remarks on Friday (10/4/2026).

He stressed that Banten must not become a route for illegal trade, including the smuggling of protected wild animals.

“We must not allow space for illegal trade practices, especially those threatening environmental sustainability,” he asserted.

According to Andra, the uncovering of this case serves as a crucial momentum to strengthen cross-sector collaboration, involving the military, police, ministries/institutions, and district/city governments.

He assessed that surveillance of coastal areas and sea routes must be continuously enhanced, given Banten’s strategic position as a national and international transit region.

“Surveillance must be strengthened through collaboration. It cannot be done individually. All parties must be involved to prevent illegal actions like this from the outset,” he said.

Furthermore, Andra emphasised that the pangolin (Manis javanica) is a protected animal whose population continues to decline due to hunting and illegal trade.

The trade in pangolin scales is prohibited because it is a critically endangered species, protected internationally through wildlife trade conventions, and plays a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance.

“We must truly protect this animal from extinction,” stated Andra.

Andra added that wildlife protection is a shared responsibility to preserve natural heritage for future generations.

Previously, the Indonesian Navy through the Banten Naval Base thwarted the smuggling of pangolin scales in the waters of Tanjung Sekong, Merak. The detection began with a routine patrol by the KAL Anyer I-3-64 vessel, which spotted a suspicious foreign vessel flying the Vietnamese flag, MV Hoi An 8.

The team then conducted inspection procedures or Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS). From the search, 26 cartons containing 780 kilograms of pangolin scales hidden inside the vessel were found.

The economic value of the goods is estimated at Rp46.8 billion, with a black market price of around Rp60 million per kilogram. Commander of the Banten Naval Base, Lieutenant Colonel (N) Catur Yogiantoro, explained that the case’s uncovering resulted from routine patrols in the Merak waters.

“The VBSS team then conducted a thorough inspection on the vessel,” he said.

From the inspection, 26 packages of cartons containing a large quantity of pangolin scales were discovered.

“This demonstrates the Indonesian Navy’s commitment to preventing all forms of illegal activities in our waters,” he asserted.

He added that further investigations are ongoing, including the possibility of involvement by international networks using sea routes as a modus operandi.

The Banten Provincial Government reaffirms its commitment to continue synergising with all stakeholders in maintaining regional security and protecting biodiversity from illegal exploitation.

This step aligns with efforts to ensure environmental sustainability and guarantee that future generations inherit Indonesia’s natural wealth.