RRI.CO.ID, South Lampung - Authorities are cracking down on the illegal wildlife trade, which endangers biodiversity and disrupts ecosystems, by seizing 977 birds without proper documentation at Bakauheni Port in South Lampung.

Lampung Quarantine Service Unit for Bakauheni Port Head Ahmad Setianegara said all confiscated birds were released into the Register 3 Gunung Rajabasa protected forest in Way Kalam Village, Penengahan Subdistrict, after being confirmed healthy.

“A total of 977 birds were released into the wild after being identified and deemed fit for release. They were previously confiscated from a bus in South Lampung,” Ahmad said on Saturday, July 18, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He explained that the birds were intercepted during an operation while being smuggled to Java without proper documents. Their release was intended to restore ecological balance in the wild.

“This step is important not only to restore their ecological function, but also to send a strong message that all forms of illegal wildlife trade will not be tolerated,” he said.

Ahmad added that collaboration between the police, the Lampung Quarantine Agency, and other relevant institutions will be strengthened to tighten supervision of wildlife trafficking at Bakauheni Port, a key gateway to Sumatra. Enhanced monitoring is expected to prevent smuggling and limit the operations of illegal traders.

Supervision aims not only to enforce the law, but also to preserve wildlife in their natural habitat and prevent the spread of pests and animal diseases through trafficking that fails to meet quarantine requirements.

“We appreciate the collaboration of all parties involved in this effort. Lampung’s position as a gateway to Sumatra will continue to be reinforced so that we can collectively disrupt smuggling routes like this,” Ahmad said. ***