RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) is investigating a protected wildlife trade network allegedly involving suspect MF in North Sumatra. Officials said the case indicates a smuggling practice linked to a transnational trade network.

“The exotic animals were to be taken to Bireuen, Aceh, to be smuggled abroad, specifically to Thailand. This indicates that MF is part of a transnational wildlife trade network,” said Head of the Sumatra Law Enforcement Agency of the Ministry of Forestry, Hari Novianto, on Monday, March 9, 2026.

Hari explained that the suspect, MF, has been handed over to the Deli Serdang Subdistrict Attorney’s Office along with theevidence for trial. The Ministry of Forestry, through its Sumatra Law Enforcement Agency, is also investigating possible links between MF and other wildlife smuggling cases in North Sumatra and Aceh.

“We are currently investigating whether suspect MF is connected to the smuggling case of hundreds of protected wildlife species uncovered by the Law Enforcement Agency of the Ministry of Forestry and Customs last February in Langsa, Aceh,” he said.

The case began with a public report about a wild bird trade in Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra. Officers followed up with a sting operation on January 14, 2026, during which they apprehended suspect MF and seized several protected animals.

The confiscated wildlife included three Yellow-crested Cockatoos (Cacatua sulphurea), one King Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus), one Moluccan Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis), and two King Chattering Lories (Psittrichas fulgidus). Officers also seized four bird cages and a mobile phone suspected of being used in the illegal trade.

The Ministry of Forestry stressed that the trade in protected wildlife is a serious crime that threatens Indonesia’s biodiversity. If found guilty, suspect MF faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to Rp5 billion, in accordance with prevailing laws and regulations. (Misni Parjiati/Lasti Martina)