RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Forestry Ministry ’s Law Enforcement Directorate General, in collaboration with the North Sumatra Regional Police, intercepted the transaction of six protected Leopard Cats (Prionailurus bengalensis) in Medan following a public tip-off regarding suspicious activity on social media.
The suspect, identified by the initials SD, was apprehended while attempting to ship the small wild cats, locally known as Kucing Kuwuk, via a land transportation service. During the raid, authorities discovered the six felines confined within cardboard boxes.
As reported by Antara, head of the Ministry's Sumatra Law Enforcement Center, Hari Novianto, noted that the operation targeted a digital trail of illegal commerce.
"The enforcement process against the suspect, SD, was cooperative after officers presented strong evidence related to illegal trading activities carried out by the suspect through Facebook," said Hari in Jakarta on Monday, February 24, 2026.
Following the seizure, the animals were immediately transferred to the Sibolangit Animal Rescue Center (PPS) to undergo intensive care and rehabilitation before their eventual return to the wild.
The investigation is now expanding as authorities look to dismantle the broader network supporting these environmental crimes. "We have ordered investigators to delve deeper into the roles of the suspect and other parties suspected of being involved in the syndicate's trade chain of protected wildlife in the North Sumatra region," added Hari.
Official charges were filed after a thorough case review and examination by investigators. SD now faces severe legal consequences for the illegal possession, transport, and trade of protected species under forestry crime statutes.
If convicted, the suspect faces a maximum prison sentence of 15 years and a staggering fine of IDR 20 billion (USD 1.18 million), marking a firm stance by the Indonesian government against the exploitation of the nation's biodiversity. ***
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