Joint Task Force Thwarts Smuggling of Hundreds of Birds to Sri Lanka by Foreign National

A joint task force has thwarted the smuggling of 101 birds being carried by a Sri Lankan national through Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Banten.

The hundreds of birds, comprising various species, were packed into 15 cardboard boxes and placed inside a suitcase to be transported on an international flight bound for Sri Lanka.

The attempted shipment was uncovered during joint surveillance by Aviation Security (Avsec), Customs, and the Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin) in the departure area. Upon inspection, officers discovered the animals being carried by a Sri Lankan passenger identified by the initials NRRW.

“Based on initial identification, the 101 birds consist of several species, including the Papuan Magpie-robin, Mountain Sepah, Sparrow, Parakeet, River Rain Sempur, Land Rain Sempur, Pleci, Sepah Raja, and Perkici,” said the Head of the Banten Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Station, Duma Sari, on Saturday (5/9/2026).

Further examination revealed that the Sepah Raja and Perkici are among the bird species protected under the prevailing laws and regulations regarding the conservation of biological natural resources and ecosystems.

“Airports are strategic gateways for wildlife traffic. Therefore, synergy between Quarantine, Customs, Avsec, BKSDA, and related agencies is vital. Through this collaboration, potential violations can be detected more quickly and addressed according to our respective authorities,” said Duma.

Banten Quarantine is currently coordinating with the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) for further inspection, investigation, and handling in accordance with their respective jurisdictions.