Banten Strengthens Collaboration to Break the Chain of Protected Wildlife Smuggling
Protection of wildlife is part of our collective responsibility to preserve natural heritage for future generations.
Serang (ANTARA) - The Banten Provincial Government is strengthening cross-sector collaboration to break the chain of trade and smuggling of protected wildlife, which often exploits Banten’s waters as an international transit route.
Banten Governor Andra Soni, in Serang City on Friday, stressed that Banten’s strategic position as a national and international transit gateway makes it a vulnerable point for illegal practices, necessitating stricter and more integrated oversight.
“Surveillance must be strengthened through collaboration between the TNI, Police, ministries, and local government. It cannot be done individually; all parties must be involved so that illegal actions like this can be prevented early,” said Andra Soni.
The statement responds to the success of the TNI AL Base (Lanal) Banten in thwarting the smuggling of 780 kilograms of pangolin scales from a foreign vessel flying the Vietnamese flag in Merak waters on Wednesday (8/4). The evidence is estimated to be worth Rp46.8 billion.
The Governor affirmed that the Banten Provincial Government is committed to providing no space whatsoever for illegal trade practices that threaten environmental sustainability and Indonesia’s biodiversity.
“We must truly ensure that these animals do not go extinct. Wildlife protection is part of our collective responsibility to preserve natural heritage for future generations,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, Commander of Lanal Banten, Colonel Laut (P) Catur Yogiantoro, stated that his side continues to conduct in-depth investigations to uncover possible involvement of international networks in the case.
The TNI AL is committed to continuously enhancing routine patrols, such as those carried out by KAL Anyer I-3-64, to prevent all forms of illegal exploitation in Banten’s maritime areas. This synergy is expected to become a strong momentum in maintaining regional security as well as sustainable biodiversity protection.