Maluku BKSDA Secures Six Black-Capped Lories Aboard KM Leuser

The black-capped lory is a protected species under Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation No. P.106 of 2018 on Protected Plant and Animal Species.

Ambon (ANTARA) — The Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) of Maluku has secured six black-capped lorries (Lorius lory) found aboard KM Leuser during a joint surveillance operation at Yos Sudarso Port in Ambon.

“Six black-capped lorries were successfully secured during a joint inspection aboard KM Leuser, which was berthed at Yos Sudarso Port in Ambon,” said Cardolin CH Latuputty of the Maluku BKSDA Forest Police in Ambon on Wednesday.

He said the protected birds were found at around 01.30 Eastern Indonesia Time on Deck 2 at the front of the ship, which was sailing from Papua to Surabaya.

He explained that all the animals were secured and handed over to the Maluku Islands Wildlife Conservation Centre to undergo health examinations and care before further handling steps are determined.

BKSDA Maluku reminded the public that anyone who catches, possesses, transports, keeps or trades protected animals without a permit may face criminal sanctions in accordance with the prevailing laws and regulations.

Cardolin said surveillance of wildlife trafficking at the port would continue to be strengthened through cooperation with relevant agencies to prevent the smuggling and illegal trade of protected animals.

He also called on the public to play an active role in preserving biodiversity by not selling protected wild animals and by promptly reporting suspected wildlife trafficking offences to the authorities.

Under Law No. 5 of 1990 on the Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems, anyone who deliberately catches, injures, kills, stores, possesses, keeps, transports or trades a protected animal (Article 21 paragraph (2) letter a) faces a maximum prison sentence of five years and a maximum fine of Rp100 million (Article 40 paragraph (2)).