Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry has dismantled an illegal wildlife trafficking operation involving protected Nicobar pigeons (Caloenas nicobarica). Authorities has arrested a suspect in Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi.
“This operation reflects strong collaboration between law enforcement agencies and public support from local communities who care about the conservation of Indonesia’s protected wildlife,” said Dwi Januanto Nugroho, Director General of Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Forestry, in Jakarta on Wednesday (September 25, 2025).
The raid was carried out by the Ministry of Forestry’s Sulawesi Regional Law Enforcement Center in coordination with the South Sulawesi Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) and the South Sulawesi Police. Authorities launched the operation after receiving community reports and monitoring online posts offering the birds for sale.
Officials said the case underscores the ministry’s commitment to cracking down on forestry crimes, including the trafficking of endangered plants and wildlife, as part of safeguarding Indonesia’s natural resources.
Ali Bahri, head of the Ministry of Forestry’s Sulawesi Law Enforcement Center, confirmed that the suspect, identified as “L,” was taken into custody by authorities. Authorities were also seized 48 Nicobar pigeons as evidence.
An expert witness from BBKSDA confirmed that the species is listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
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Preliminary investigations revealed that L obtained the birds as chicks from members of a group called “Rare Bird Community,” raised them to maturity, and sold them via social media. Over the past year, he admitted to selling at least eight protected birds. Investigators also found posts advertising the animals on his mobile phone.
Due to this act, L has been named a suspect and faces up to 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of 5 billion rupiah ($300,000). He is currently being held at the South Sulawesi Police detention facility pending further investigation.
Meanwhile, the birds are being cared for by BBKSDA South Sulawesi, which is providing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and conservation measures.
“The Sulawesi Law Enforcement Center remains committed to pursuing individuals and networks involved in the trafficking of protected bird species, particularly inter-island smuggling syndicates. We will continue to enforce the law to its fullest extent,” Ali Bahri said, as reported by Antara.
(Raidi/Agung)
