Tanjung Priok Customs Foil Illegal Export of 3.05 Tonnes of Pangolin Scales
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Tanjung Priok Customs foiled an illegal export of 3.05 tonnes of pangolin scales (Manis javanica) valued at around Rp183 billion at Tanjung Priok Port, which was to be shipped to Cambodia.
Head of the Primary Service Office (KPU) of Customs and Excise Type A Tanjung Priok, Adhang Noegroho Adhi, explained that the action followed a physical examination of the export goods linked to a Intelligence Result Note (NHI).
“This action embodies firm and fair law enforcement, as well as ongoing efforts in wildlife conservation and the enforcement of laws on illegal hunting and trafficking of wildlife,” Adhang said in Jakarta on Thursday.
He stated the inspection involved the Jakarta Balai Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam (BKSDA) as the authority in conservation matters related to wildlife hunting and trafficking.
For the 3.05 tonnes of pangolin scales, it was reported to have a selling price of around Rp60 million per kilogram, with a total estimated value of Rp183 billion.
He added that the move follows President Prabowo Subianto’s directive under the Astacita programme to strengthen law enforcement, and a follow-up to the Finance Minister’s instruction to crack down on smuggling that harms the state and jeopardises natural resources.
It was emphasised that the synergy between Customs and BKSDA in this export action serves as tangible proof that cross‑sector collaboration can prevent and thwart attempts to smuggle protected wildlife overseas.
“We are committed to tightening export oversight and taking decisive action against any violations that threaten wildlife conservation and harm the state,” he said.
The case began with screening results of the cargo containers, where Customs initially detected anomalies in the declared goods.
In the Export Goods Notification (PEB) for PT TSR, two declared goods were listed — sea cucumber (teripang) and instant noodles — but three compartments were found, suggesting undeclared goods in the export.
Based on data collection and analysis, an NHI was issued due to indications that the declared goods and tariff heading were not correct for the export.
This was suspected to be an attempt to evade export prohibitions and/or restrictions.
Subsequently, physical inspection of one 1x20 foot container on 18 February 2025 yielded results showing the quantity and type of goods did not match the PEB documents.
Physical inspection by officers found 99 cartons of dried pangolin scales of various sizes, weighing a total of 3.05 tonnes; 51 bags of sea cucumbers weighing 1.53 tonnes; 300 cartons of instant noodles weighing 1.2 tonnes; and one item resembling a wooden piece.
Given the importance and urgency of identifying pangolin scales, the KPU Bea and Cukai Tanjung Priok collaborated with Jakarta’s BKSDA.
Based on visual inspection by BKSDA officers, the scales were confirmed to be from the pangolin (Manis javanica).
It was noted that the pangolin (Manis javanica) is a protected wildlife species under law, as attached in the appendix of the Regulation of the Minister of Environment and Forestry (LHK) No. P.106 of 2018, sequence number 84.
Following this information, the Type A Tanjung Priok Customs and Excise Office has proceeded with action against the export activities conducted by PT TSR.
The case is currently under further investigation and examination.
Tanjung Priok Customs expresses appreciation for and thanks to BKSDA Jakarta for support in identifying protected wildlife, and to the Balai Besar Karantina Hewan, Ikan, dan Tumbuhan (BBKHIT) DKI Jakarta for oversight of fisheries products, including sea cucumbers.
Adhang emphasised that the successful disclosure demonstrates the importance of intelligence functions, meticulous physical checks, and collaboration with related technical agencies in safeguarding Indonesia’s biological resources.
“We will continue to enhance export surveillance and decisively act against any violation that threatens wildlife conservation and harms Indonesia’s biodiversity,” Adhang concluded.