Officers foil protected wildlife smuggling attempt at Ambon Port

Ambon (ANTARA) - Joint officers foiled an attempt to smuggle a number of protected animals hidden aboard the KM Ciremai when the ship docked at Yos Sudarso Port in Ambon, Maluku, during an operation on 24-25 June 2026.

The Head of Security for Pelni Kodaeral IX Ambon, Navy Lieutenant (H) Ricko Aditya, said in Ambon on Friday that the discovery was the result of synergy between Pelni Kodaeral IX security personnel, the Maluku Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), and the Yos Sudarso Port Police.

“This foiling began with embarkation surveillance and inspection activities aboard the KM Ciremai. During a thorough inspection, officers found the animals hidden on the outer parts of decks 5 and 6,” he said.

Based on the inspection results, officers secured one cockatoo, two eclectus parrots, one black-capped lory, ten golden mynas—one of which was found dead—and one Papuan hornbill.

“Inter-agency synergy is key in efforts to thwart the smuggling of protected wildlife. We will continue to enhance surveillance at the port area, which serves as a gateway for people and goods,” he stated.

All the secured animals were subsequently handed over to the Maluku BKSDA for identification, handling, and follow-up in accordance with the provisions of applicable laws and regulations.

He added that routine surveillance would continue to be strengthened to curb the practice of wildlife trafficking, which can threaten the preservation of Indonesia’s biodiversity, especially in Maluku, which possesses a wealth of endemic fauna.

“We are committed to supporting the preservation of protected wildlife through more optimal security measures and cooperation with all relevant agencies,” he said.