Joint Task Force Intercepts 15 Smuggled Papuan Exotic Birds at Ambon Harbor

RRI.CO.ID, Ambon - A multi-agency law enforcement sweep at Yos Sudarso Port in Ambon has successfully intercepted an illegal shipment of 15 exotic wild birds trafficked from Papua. The birds, the vast majority of which belong to strictly protected species under Indonesian law, were discovered hidden across the outer decks of a commercial passenger vessel navigating eastern domestic trade routes.

The tactical operation was executed by a joint port security task force. The collaborative team integrated officers from the Maluku Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA Maluku), the Port Authority and Harbormaster Office (KSOP), state-owned shipping company PT Pelni, the Yos Sudarso Port Police (Polsek KPYS), the Animal Quarantine Agency (BKHIT), the Pattimura Military Command Intelligence Unit (Den Intel Kodam XV/Pattimura), and the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL).

The joint force uncovered the birds hidden in makeshift containers on the outer starboard sides of Decks 5 and 6. Maluku BKSDA Forest Police Officer Cardolin Latuputty confirmed that the wildlife had been smuggled onto the ship without any legal transport manifests.

"The animals, most of which are protected species, are suspected of being transported without a permit and are currently being investigated by officers," said Cardolin Latuputty in Ambon, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The wildlife seizure comprised several highly sought-after Papuan avian species frequently targeted by international and domestic black markets. The formal intake inventory cataloged one sulfur-crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita triton), two eclectus parrots (Eclectus roratus), one black-capped lory (Lorius lory), ten variable pitohuis (Pitohui spp.), and one hooded butcherbird (Cracticus cassicus).

Tragically, due to the stress of confinement and poor ventilation on the ship's exterior decks, one of the ten variable pitohuis was found dead upon arrival.

The sulfur-crested cockatoo, eclectus parrot, and black-capped lory are strictly protected under Ministry of Environment and Forestry Regulation No. P.106/2018, as amended by the updated Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.20/2024.

All surviving birds were immediately transferred to the Maluku Islands Wildlife Conservation Center, where they are undergoing veterinary medical isolation and intensive behavioral rehabilitation before eventual reintroduction.

BKSDA Maluku and port intelligence units have launched a joint investigation to identify the criminal syndicate or individual passengers behind the cargo. Authorities are leveraging ship passenger manifests and onboard surveillance footage to trace the precise Papuan origin of the shipment.

Latuputty issued a stern warning to maritime transport networks, reminding operators that wildlife trafficking penalties have drastically intensified following recent federal legislative overhauls.

The unauthorized commercial trade, possession, storage, or transport of protected wildlife constitutes a severe felony under the newly updated Law No. 32/2024 on the Amendment to Law No. 5/1990 concerning the Conservation of Living Natural Resources and Ecosystems.

"Trading, possessing, storing, and transporting protected animals without a permit is a crime prohibited by law. Violators can face a maximum prison sentence of 15 years and a fine of up to IDR 5 billion (USD 308,600)," he said.

The substantial hike in penalties, up from the old 1990 legal ceiling of five years' imprisonment and a IDR100 million fine, reflects the state's aggressive stance against biodiversity loss.

Conservation officials concluded with an urgent appeal to the traveling public to refrain from buying or keeping exotic birds, prompting citizens to report suspicious maritime cargo to maintain the ecological integrity of the nation's eastern rainforests. ***