Maluku Natural Resources Conservation Agency Seizes Three Protected Birds from Ship Passengers

Ambon (ANTARA) - The Maluku Natural and Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) has secured three protected birds discovered among passengers on the KM Sangiang and KM Labobar during X-ray inspections at Yos Sudarso Port, Ambon.

The three birds consist of one Maluku Lorikeet (Eos bornea), one Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus), and one Yellow-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita).

“The three secured birds were subsequently taken to the Maluku Islands Wildlife Conservation Centre to undergo quarantine and rehabilitation processes before being released back into their natural habitats,” said Arga Christyan, a Forest Police officer from BKSDA Maluku, in Ambon on Monday.

He revealed that BKSDA officers at the Yos Sudarso Sea Port Post, working alongside PELINDO, KSOP, PELNI, the KPYS Police Sector, POMAL KODAERAL IX, BKHIT, and the Kodam Pattimura Intelligence Unit, discovered two birds during the inspection of KM Sangiang passengers on 11 September 2026.

The two birds, specifically the Maluku Lorikeet and the Rainbow Lorikeet, were found stored in plastic baskets and were subsequently secured for further handling.

“At the time of seizure, the condition of all three birds was monitored to be healthy,” he added.

The inspection of passengers and ship cargo is conducted as part of the surveillance of wildlife and wildlife body parts trafficking within the Maluku region.

BKSDA Maluku, together with relevant agencies, continues to conduct inspections to prevent the illegal trade and transport of protected wildlife.

Under the provisions of Law No. 5 of 1990 concerning the Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and their Ecosystems, anyone who intentionally captures, harms, kills, stores, possesses, maintains, transports, or trades protected wildlife (Article 21, paragraph (2), letter a) faces a maximum prison sentence of five years and a fine of up to Rp100 million (Article 40, paragraph (2)).