RRI.CO.ID, Bandarlampung - Authorities at the Bakauheni Port in Lampung have intercepted a commercial passenger bus attempting to illegally transport dozens of wild birds to Java, highlighting the persistent use of public transportation as a front for wildlife trafficking.

The operation, led by the Lampung Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Agency, underscores the growing challenge of monitoring inter-island movement within the sprawling Indonesian archipelago.

The seizure occurred during a strategic patrol when a combined task force stopped a passenger bus with a Semarang-based H registration plate. Upon inspecting the vehicle, officers discovered three baskets hidden inside, containing 55 zebra doves (perkutut) and eight sooty-headed bulbuls (kutilang).

Head of Lampung Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Agency, Donni Muksydayan, revealed on Monday, April 27, 2026, that the shipment originated from Ogan Komering Ilir in South Sumatra and was destined for Serang, Banten.

"The combined team found the birds stored inside the bus during surveillance at Bakauheni Port. According to the bus driver's statement, the owner utilized false identities to facilitate the transport," explained Donni, as quoted by Antara.

The inspection confirmed a total lack of mandatory documentation, including Veterinary Certificates, Domestic Wild Plant and Animal Transport Permits (SATS-DN), and official quarantine certificates. Donni noted that without these papers, the shipment directly violated Law No. 21/2019 concerning Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine.

This incident marks the second time this year that a passenger bus has been used as a vessel for illegal wildlife trade in the region. "Beyond violating regulations, this practice poses a significant risk to wildlife conservation and opens the door for the inter-regional spread of animal diseases," warned Donni.

He condemned the recurring tactics used by traffickers to bypass official checkpoints at entry and exit points.

The Lampung Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Agency has vowed to strengthen its synergy with related agencies to tighten oversight at Bakauheni Port. This location remains a critical chokepoint for the movement of commodities and wildlife between Sumatra and Java.

"Perpetrators continue to try various modes to illegally send wildlife, including using passenger buses. This shows that the practice is still rampant and remains a serious concern for us," concluded Donni. ***