RRI.CO.ID, Pontianak - Indonesia’s Forestry Law Enforcement Agency dismantled an illegal trade of protected wildlife parts in Sintang, West Kalimantan, Monday, March 2, 2026. The officers seized 1.38 kilograms of pangolin scales during the operation. A 53-year-old suspect identified as HLY was arrested.

The operation was conducted by the Kalimantan Regional Forestry Law Enforcement Center. The suspect was apprehended following public reports about wildlife trafficking. Authorities moved swiftly to prevent further illegal distribution.

Head of the Kalimantan Regional Forestry Law Enforcement Center, Leonardo Gultom, stressed the government’s firm commitment. He said the action aims to protect Indonesia’s biodiversity from extinction threats. Illegal hunting and trade remain serious environmental crimes.

“This firm action is part of efforts to safeguard Indonesia’s biodiversity from hunting and trade of protected wildlife. We will not provide space for perpetrators of wildlife crimes. The enforcement against suspect HLY is a concrete step in breaking the chain of illegal hunting both inside and outside West Kalimantan,” he said.

Leonardo added that investigators will apply the latest legal instruments. Stronger penalties are intended to create a deterrent effect. Law enforcement will follow updated national regulations.

“Law enforcement is carried out to the fullest extent in accordance with the latest regulations. The suspect will be charged under Law Number 32 of 2024 and Law Number 1 of 2026 with heavier criminal sanctions. This is a strong warning to anyone still determined to trade parts of state-protected wildlife,” he said.

The case was uncovered after officers checked a hotel room on Pattimura Street in Sintang. Inside, they found 1.38 kilograms of pangolin scales hidden in a black plastic bag. The items were under the suspect’s control.

Investigators revealed the suspect traveled from East Java to Pontianak before heading to Sintang. He allegedly sought supplies of pangolin scales for trade. He admitted learning about the wildlife trade network through Facebook.

HLY is suspected of violating laws on Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and Ecosystems. He allegedly stored, possessed, transported, and traded protected wildlife parts. The suspect faces up to 15 years in prison and fines reaching Rp 30 billion.