Indonesian Navy Thwarts Smuggling of Eight Rare Birds on KM Gunung Dempo

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - A patrol team from the Pelni security unit of the Indonesian Navy’s Kodaeral XIV successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle protected animals on the KM Gunung Dempo when the ship docked at the Pelindo General Port in Sorong, West Papua, on Friday (15/05/2026).

During the operation, officers managed to secure eight protected animals.

“In the security and inspection activity which took place from 18:25 to 00:05 WIT, officers successfully secured eight protected animals consisting of six Black-headed Sulphur-crested Cockatoos and two Yellow-crested Cockatoos,” said the Head of Naval Information Service (Kadispenal), Rear Admiral TNI Tunggul, in a statement quoted on Sunday (17/05/2026).

Officers first found a Black-headed Sulphur-crested Cockatoo during an inspection on Deck 4.

The bird was hidden inside a bottle of mineral water belonging to one of the passengers traveling from Manokwari to Makassar.

“The passenger was then informed about the status of protected animals and voluntarily handed over the animal to officers,” said Tunggul.

Officers then secured two Yellow-crested Cockatoos which were hidden in a basket without any owner identification during an X-Ray inspection of baggage belonging to port workers.

Tunggul revealed that all evidence was taken to the KSDA Region I Sorong office for data collection and further processing in accordance with applicable legal provisions.

“The animals seized are known to be protected animals as regulated in Law Number 5 of 1990 concerning KSDAHE as amended in Law Number 32 of 2024, with a maximum criminal penalty of 15 years imprisonment and a fine of up to IDR 5 billion for those involved in trading or illegally transporting protected animals,” he emphasized.

He added that the activity is also in line with the direction of the Chief of Naval Staff (Kasal) Admiral TNI Muhammad Ali, urging all Indonesian Navy soldiers to continue to increase vigilance, professionalism, and synergy with related agencies in maintaining maritime security and protecting Indonesia’s natural resources for the sustainability of future generations.

KOMPAS.com is committed to providing clear, trustworthy, and balanced facts. Support the sustainability of quality journalism and enjoy ad-free reading by joining KOMPAS.com Plus now.