Forestry Law Enforcement Thwarts Trade in Protected Wildlife: Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo and Southern Crowned Pigeon
The Regional Forestry Law Enforcement Agency (Balai Gakkum Kehutanan) in Sulawesi has successfully thwarted an attempt to trade protected wild animals in Manado, North Sulawesi, on Tuesday, 10 March 2026. This operation followed a report from the North Sulawesi Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) regarding suspected illegal circulation of protected wildlife.
During the operation, officers apprehended a suspect with initials AF who was transporting the protected wild animals by land route to a prospective buyer in Tolitoli Regency, Central Sulawesi. Field examinations revealed two sulphur-crested cockatoos (Probosciger aterrimus) stored in the vehicle used by the suspect.
Further investigation at the suspect’s residence led to the seizure of one juvenile southern crowned pigeon (Casuarius unappendiculatus). All seized animals lacked valid permits as required by applicable laws and regulations.
The Head of the Sulawesi Regional Forestry Law Enforcement Agency, Ali Bahri, emphasised that this successful case disclosure demonstrates the government’s concrete commitment to protecting biodiversity and strictly enforcing actions against wildlife crimes.
He also highlighted the importance of public involvement in providing information to support law enforcement in forestry and natural resource conservation.
“Any form of hunting, trading, or illegal possession of protected wildlife will not be tolerated. We will continue to strengthen synergy with stakeholders and enhance monitoring efforts to ensure maximum protection of Indonesia’s biological wealth,” stated Ali Bahri on Wednesday (1/4).
As a follow-up, all wildlife evidence has been secured for rescue and further handling by the North Sulawesi BKSDA. Meanwhile, investigators are continuing to probe for involvement of other parties in this wildlife trafficking network.
Based on initial examinations, suspect AF admitted to acting as the caretaker and finder of buyers for the animals on instructions from an individual with initials B residing in Surabaya. The suspect also received commissions from the pickup to the sale process of the animals.
Following examinations and case review, investigators designated AF as a suspect. He is charged with violating provisions in Law No. 32 of 2024 amending Law No. 5 of 1990 on the Conservation of Living Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems, as referred to in Article 40A paragraph (1) letter d in conjunction with Article 21 paragraph (2) letter a.
“For his actions, the suspect faces a maximum prison sentence of 15 years and a maximum fine of Rp5 billion,” he concluded.