Ministry of Forestry apprehends suspected illegal wildlife trader in Surabaya
The Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) has successfully thwarted the suspected illegal trade of 190 wild birds in the Jamrud Port area, Surabaya, East Java, and secured the arrest of a suspected perpetrator.
In a statement confirmed from Jakarta on Thursday, the Head of the Forestry Law Enforcement Agency (Gakkum) for the Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara regions, Aswin Bangun, explained that the 190 birds consisted of 186 Greater Green Leafbirds (Chloropsis sonnerati) and 4 Sooty Scimitar Babblers (Pycnonotus plumosus), which were seized by officers during an operation on 29 August 2026.
“This enforcement action demonstrates the importance of monitoring wildlife movement routes, not only at the point of origin but also when animals are being transported to other regions. We will continue to strengthen supervision alongside regional stakeholders and relevant agencies to ensure that the transport of wildlife without valid documentation can be prevented from the outset,” said Aswin.
The discovery was subsequently followed up by the Ministry of Forestry’s Law Enforcement Agency, leading to the seizure of the animals and the apprehension of the suspect.
Officers detained a suspect identified by the initials SA (45), a resident of Jember Regency, East Java. SA was officially named a suspect on 31 August 2026 and is currently being held at the Detention and Evidence House (Tahti) of the East Java Regional Police.
The suspect is alleged to have stored, possessed, kept, transported, and/or traded protected wildlife without valid documents or permits.
“The Forestry Law Enforcement Agency will continue to strengthen its ability to identify wildlife distribution patterns, including utilising information from the field and digital spaces. Every link in the illegal trade chain must be addressed so that wildlife remains in its habitat and natural wealth can continue to benefit the community,” he added.
He urged the public not to buy, keep, or trade protected wildlife illegally. Information regarding suspected hunting, transport, or trade of wild animals can be reported through the Ministry of Forestry Law Enforcement Directorate General’s complaint channel at pengaduan.gakkum@kehutanan.go.id.