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Natural resources

Smuggling Attempt Foiled in South Papua, Endangered Animals Seized

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A collaborative effort by the South Papua Quarantine Agency and the Papua Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) has thwarted an attempt to smuggle 45 black-capped lories, a cockatoo, and a crocodile, all protected animals native to Indonesia. The officials made the discovery during a routine check of passengers and cargo at Agats Port on August 11, leading to the securing of the animals at the BKSDA Station in Asmat District, South Papua Province, for investigation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The South Papua Quarantine Agency and BKSDA collaborated to thwart an attempt to smuggle 45 black-capped lories, a cockatoo, and a crocodile worth billions of rupiah.
  • The officials discovered the smuggling attempt during a routine check of passengers and cargo at Agats Port on August 11.
  • The animals were hidden in a plastic container and a cardboard box under a passenger's bed on KM Sirimau, a vessel bound for Pomako Port in Mimika, Central Papua.
  • Smuggling is a violation of Indonesia's Law No. 21/2019 on Animal, Fish and Plant Quarantine and Law No. 5/2009 on Natural Resource Conservation.
  • The BKSDA has been actively working to end the illegal wildlife trade and preserve ecological stability in South Papua, with a focus on protecting endemic species.
  • Two similar smuggling attempts were foiled in 2022, with 59 endemic birds and reptiles seized in February and three lesser birds of paradise and one magnificent riflebird released back into the wild in December.

Statistics:

  • 45 black-capped lories, a cockatoo, and a crocodile were seized during the attempt to smuggle protected animals.
  • The smuggled animals were worth billions of rupiah.
  • The BKSDA foiled two similar smuggling attempts in 2022:

+ 59 endemic birds and reptiles were seized in February 2022.

+ Three lesser birds of paradise and one magnificent riflebird were released back into the wild in December 2021.

  • Indonesia has laws in place to protect wild animals, including Law No. 21/2019 on Animal, Fish and Plant Quarantine and Law No. 5/2009 on Natural Resource Conservation.

Sources:

  • ("1) ANTARA, August 19 -"
  • ("2) ANTARA, February 28, 2022 -
  • ("3) ANTARA, December 18, 2021 -
  • ("1) ANTARA, August 19, 2025 -

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