BKSDA Maluku Pursues Alleged Cuscus Poaching in Kaibobo
Ambon — Indonesia’s Balai Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam (BKSDA) Maluku, through its Piru Resort, has followed up on community reports regarding alleged poaching of protected wildlife species, specifically cuscus (Phalanger sp.), in the forest areas surrounding Kaibobo village, Seram Bagian Barat regency, which went viral on social media.
“Information gathered indicates that the alleged poaching surfaced after a Facebook content creator’s post showed cuscus poaching activities in the Kaibobo village forest area,” said Franston Leonard Kunu, Forest Police Officer at BKSDA Maluku, on Monday in Ambon.
He explained that the poaching of protected wildlife contravenes Law No. 5 of 1990 concerning the Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and Ecosystems as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, as well as related regulations, and may result in criminal sanctions.
As a follow-up action, the perpetrators were given awareness-raising sessions and asked to sign statements committing not to repeat their actions.
He expressed hope that this step would increase public awareness in preserving protected wildlife, particularly cuscus which forms part of Maluku’s biological wealth.
BKSDA Maluku stated that this success demonstrates the collective commitment of authorities in breaking the chain of illegal wildlife trade, whilst safeguarding Indonesia’s biological diversity from inter-regional smuggling practices.
BKSDA Maluku urged the public not to engage in poaching or trading of protected wildlife and to immediately report to officials if they discover similar activities so that swift action can be taken.
“Compliance with regulations is considered important for preserving biological natural resources in Maluku,” he said.
Surveillance at ports and other distribution routes will continue to be strengthened through coordination with relevant agencies, as a preventive measure to curb illegal trading practices that threaten the sustainability of coastal ecosystems and small island environments.