RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta -The Indonesian government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting world-class conservation areas as a trial begins for an armed poaching case in Komodo National Park.

The Ministry of Forestry has submitted case files to the West Manggarai District Attorney’s Office, underscoring the state’s seriousness in enforcing environmental law.

“Timor deer are a vital part of the Komodo dragon’s food chain and the balance of the savannah ecosystem. Allowing poaching would disrupt not just one species, but the entire ecological system,” said Dwi Januanto Nugroho, Director General of Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Forestry, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

He stressed that the integrity of the global ecosystem is at stake. The case originated from a joint operation conducted by the Forestry Law Enforcement Agency for Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara (Gakkum Jabalnusra) together with the Indonesian National Police.

The operation took place in the early hours of December 14, 2025, off the coast of Komodo Island. When officers stopped a boat, the suspects resisted with firearms, leading to a gunfight in the Sape Strait before three perpetrators were apprehended.

The suspects, identified as AB, AD, and YA, are now facing trial. Five others remain at large and are on the wanted list.

Gakkum Jabalnusra Head Aswin Bangun said officers seized key evidence, including a homemade firearm, live ammunition, shell casings, and a deer. “Officers faced a dangerous situation when confronting armed suspects directly. This case has been handled seriously and thoroughly, including the pursuit of fugitives,” he explained.

The suspects are being charged under the Conservation Law and the Emergency Law on weapons possession. They face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and fines of up to IDR 5 billion. (Misni Parjiati/Lasti Martina)