Ambon Port Raid Foils Illegal Wildlife Smuggling Plot

RRI.CO.ID, Ambon - A major joint security operation at Yos Sudarso Port in Ambon, has exposed the persistent threat of black-market wildlife trafficking in Maluku. The crackdown led to the seizure of several protected birds and animal parts intended for illegal distribution.

The Maluku Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA), leading a multi-agency task force, intercepted the contraband at the busy maritime hub. Among the confiscated items were highly vulnerable endemic birds, including the sulfur-crested cockatoo, the Moluccan lory, and the rainbow lorikeet, alongside severed deer antlers.

“The unauthorized circulation and trade of wild flora and fauna remain a serious threat to the preservation of Indonesia's biodiversity. This includes endemic species from the Maluku and Papua regions, which are frequently targeted due to their high economic value,” Maluku BKSDA Forest Ranger, Cardolin CH Latuputty, in Ambon on Wednesday, June 1, 2026.

To counter this illicit network, the BKSDA Maluku post at Yos Sudarso Sea Port spearheaded a comprehensive enforcement sweep.

The operation relied on a tight security coalition consisting of the Harbormaster and Authority Office (KSOP), Indonesian National Shipping (Pelni), Indonesian Ports (Pelindo), Yos Sudarso Port Area Police (KPYS), and the Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Agency (BKHIT). Military intelligence support was also critical, involving the Intelligence Detachment of the Pattimura Military Regional Command and the Indonesian Navy.

According to conservation officials, the majority of the seized wildlife falls under strict state protection. The legal framework safeguarding these species includes Law No. 32/2024, which updates the landmark Law No. 5/1990 on the Conservation of Living Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems, as well as the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Regulation No. P.106/ 2018 regarding Protected Flora and Fauna Species.

Cardolin emphasized that the successful seizure proves the value of inter-agency synergy in fortifying Maluku against regional wildlife smuggling rings. "The efforts undertaken by BKSDA Maluku are expected to suppress illegal trading practices and ensure that protected animals remain preserved in the wild," he added as quoted by Antara.

Concluding the briefing, the agency issued an urgent appeal to the public to actively participate in conservation efforts. Citizens are strongly urged to refuse to buy, sell, keep, or transport protected wildlife without official permits, and to immediately report any suspicious trading activities to local law enforcement. ***