Police Uncover Illegal Protected Wildlife Trafficking Network Spanning International Black Markets
Police have uncovered an illegal trade in protected wildlife and arrested a suspect from Krembung Sub-district, Sidoarjo Regency. The suspect conducted trade through a black-market network reaching Thailand, India, Malaysia, and Vietnam, with Europe as the final destination.
Criminal Investigation Unit of the Sidoarjo City Police visited RC, 33, at his home in Keret Village, Krembung Sub-district after a report from the community. Officers found a number of protected animals being sold without a licence.
“On Thursday, 26 February 2026, at approximately 16:00 Western Indonesian Time (WIB), our officers detained one suspect at his home in Keret, Krembung Sub-district. From the location, a number of protected animals were found kept without permission,” said Sidoarjo City Police Chief, Kombes Christian Tobing, on Wednesday 4 March.
The protected animals included one Javan Owa (Hylobates moloch), one Javan Lutung (Trachypithecus auratus), one Owa Kalawait (Hylobates muelleri), and one Owa Kalimantan (Hylobates albibarbis). In addition, one Enggang Klihingan (Anorrhinus galeritus), one Julang Emas (Rhyticeros undulatus), and one Kasturi Kepala Hitam (Lorius lory).
The suspect admitted to obtaining the animals by ordering through an animal trading group. Transactions were conducted directly or via international black-market networks.
From the examination, the suspect has engaged in protected wildlife trafficking since 2021. The modus operandi was to purchase protected animals for temporary keeping, and later sell them to gain profits.
For his actions, the suspect faces charges under Article 40A(1)(d) in conjunction with Article 21(2)(a) and/or Article 40A(1)(h) in conjunction with Article 21(2)(g) of Republic of Indonesia Law Number 32 of 2024 on the Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems. The suspect faces a minimum sentence of three years and a maximum of 15 years in prison, and fines from Rp200 million to Rp5 billion.
“We urge the public not to trade or keep protected wildlife without a licence. If you know of similar practices, report to the police,” Tobing said.