Ternate, 13 February 2026, An attempt to smuggle hundreds of endemic Papuan wild animals was thwarted on the ship KM Sinabung which was docked at Ahmad Yani Harbor, Ternate. In this operation, Two suspected perpetrators were also arrested. The action was carried out by the Maluku BKSDA through the Ternate Region I Conservation Section, together with the Polairud Polda North Maluku, Animal Quarantine Center, Fish, and Plants of North Maluku, and PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (Ashes). Animals seized include:: Chocolate Couscous (Phalanger orientalis): 2 . 1 dead, Spotted Couscous (Spilocuscus maculatus): 1 . Papuan Forest Lizard (Hypsilurus great): 46 . 8 dead, Moluccan Monitor Lizard (Varanus is an indicator): 1 . Ular Black Albert (Leiopython albertisii): 1 . Ular Gold Adder (Leiopython albertisii): 2 . Ular Death Adder (Acanthophis): 1 . Nemena Tree Kangaroo (Dendrolagus bear): 16 . 1 dead, White Couscous (Phalanger bear): 3 . Papuan Oil Lizard (Eutropis multifasciata): 35 . 4 dead, Ular Green Tree Phyton (Malayopython reticulatus): 6 . This fact strengthens the suspicion that the West Papua region is still one of the hotspots for taking wild animals, before being distributed through port nodes in North Maluku and Sulawesi to the main market in Java. SCENTS Technical Advisor Dwi N.A emphasized that this case reflects the practice of wildlife trafficking which is increasingly organized and daring to use public transportation routes. This disclosure does not mean that the case only emerged today. Quite the opposite, This shows that illegal trading practices continue and are increasingly bold in taking advantage of surveillance loopholes. Therefore, we need to strengthen the early detection system through surveillance, patrol, and routine monitoring at vulnerable points, while improving cross-regional coordination. Which is no less important, It must be ensured that there is no room for the involvement of unscrupulous officers in this crime network. Technical Advisor SCENTS - I am n.A He also added that the wildlife trafficking chain generally involves layers of intermediaries to obscure the main actors behind it, so law enforcement must be directed down to the network controller, instead of stopping at the field carrier. On the same occasion, Director of SCENTS, Erawan emphasized the importance of the community's role in prevention from the site level. Apart from strengthening formal supervision, Community awareness and involvement must also continue to be increased. The most effective prevention actually starts at the site level, from the village, from residents around the habitat. When people feel ownership and dare to report, Poaching activities can be prevented before animals enter the trade chain Director of SCENTS - Erawan Serious Threat to Biodiversity Papua is known as one of the world's centers of biodiversity, with many endemic species not found in other regions. The illegal trade in wildlife is not only against the law, but also threatens the sustainability of populations in nature, accelerate the risk of extinction, as well as strengthening cross-regional organized crime networks. Nemena Tree Kangaroo (Dendrolagus bear). Ilustrasi generated by SCENTS This action is potentially infringing: 1. Law Number 5 Year 1990 on the Conservation of Biological Resources and Their Ecosystems (as updated through Law Number 32 Year 2024); 2. Law Number 21 Year 2019 regarding Animal Quarantine, Fish, and Plants; 3. Criminal provisions relating to the transport and trade of protected animals without a permit. The Importance of Strict Monitoring of Sea Routes This case once again emphasizes the importance of strict supervision of maritime transportation routes, especially passenger ships which are often used to smuggle large numbers of animals. Collaboration between ship officers, conservation authority, police officers, and quarantine is the key to breaking the chain of illegal trade. SCENTS appreciates ABK's quick steps, ship crew, and law enforcement officials in thwarting this smuggling attempt. However, consistent law enforcement, transparent, and targeting the intellectual actors behind trade networks remains a necessity to create a deterrent effect. Wildlife trafficking is not just an administrative offense. It is a crime against Indonesia's biodiversity and against the future of future generations. Post navigation Wildlife Trail in Simalungun, Habitat Narrowing Alarm
