RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Directorate General of Forestry Law Enforcement uncovered a smuggling case involving three tons of pangolin (Manis Javanica) scales destined for Cambodia. This discovery highlights the government's dedication to eliminating the illegal wildlife trade, which endangers the sustainability of Indonesia's biodiversity.

In this case, a suspect with the initials TT (59) has been identified. The North Jakarta District Attorney's Office has declared the suspect's case file complete (P-21) for immediate submission.

"The illegal wildlife trade is no longer just a conservation crime, but rather part of a systematic, organized, transnational crime. To stop the trade in protected wildlife completely, law enforcement must target the entire network," said the Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement, Dwi Januanto Nugroho, on Friday, July 24, 2026.

Investigators charged the suspect using provisions of the Natural Resources Conservation Law concerning the illegal trade of protected wildlife. They are currently preparing to hand the suspect and evidence over to the public prosecutor for further trial.

They are also developing the case further to uncover the involvement of three other parties suspected of playing a role in the network. One of these parties, who is suspected of receiving pangolin scales, is a Cambodian citizen. The others are still under investigation.

"Every determination of a suspect must be based on strong evidence so that the legal process is conducted objectively and in accordance with applicable regulations. Case development is ongoing to uncover all parties involved in the transnational wildlife smuggling network," he said.

The Ministry of Forestry views the illegal wildlife trade a serious threat to the sustainability of pangolin populations and national biodiversity. The government is committed to strengthening supervision and law enforcement to protect species that are protected from illegal trade.

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni condemned the practice of smuggling wildlife through international black market networks from Indonesia. "We ensure that wildlife protection is a priority by taking legal action against all proven perpetrators," he said. (Misni Parjiati-EN)