Customs Seize Five Live Arowana Fish Hidden in Suitcase at Border Crossing

Entikong Customs, in collaboration with personnel from the West Kalimantan Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Office, thwarted an attempt to transport five Super Red Arowana fish at the Entikong Integrated Border Post (PLBN) on Friday (22/05/2026). Officers discovered the live fish during routine monitoring of travellers heading towards Malaysia. During the inspection, officers became suspicious of a passing vehicle and conducted a thorough examination of the belongings of a passenger identified by the initials NL.

“From the results of the inspection, officers found five Super Red Arowana (Scleropages formosus) packed inside a suitcase. This species is known to be protected and is listed under CITES Appendix I due to its endangered status,” stated the Head of the Entikong Customs Office, Rudi Endro Pratikto, as reported on Wednesday (03/06/2026).

According to the official, the passenger, NL, claimed to have purchased the fish in Pontianak for a total price of approximately Rp 4 million for personal use rather than for resale. The individual also claimed this was their first time bringing Arowana fish abroad and that they were unaware that exporting them from Indonesia requires specific permits.

Following the discovery, officers took enforcement action and issued an Enforcement Evidence Letter for the seized goods. The five Arowana fish have since been handed over to the West Kalimantan Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Office at the PLBN Entikong service unit for further handling. Entikong Customs has urged the public to be more cautious and to understand the applicable regulations before transporting certain animals or goods across national borders. “In addition to customs regulations, the export of certain wildlife without official documents and permits can threaten the conservation of protected species. Compliance with procedures is a vital step in preventing legal violations and supporting efforts to protect Indonesia’s biological resources,” concluded Rudi.