Ministry of Forestry Concludes Investigation into Smuggling of 3 Tons of Pangolin Scales to Cambodia

JAKARTA, Signalberita.com – The Ministry of Forestry has concluded its investigation into the alleged smuggling of over 3 tons of pangolin scales destined for Cambodia via Tanjung Priok Port. This case is considered one of the largest seizures involving the illegal wildlife trade in Indonesia.

Through the Forestry Law Enforcement Agency for the Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara regions, investigators have handed over the suspect—identified by the initials TT (59)—to the prosecution stage after the North Jakarta District Attorney’s Office declared the case file complete (P-21).

Investigators allege that the suspect played a role in organizing the shipment of approximately 3,053 kilograms of pangolin scales intended to be smuggled to Cambodia via the export route at Tanjung Priok Port.

**Alleged Involvement of International Network**

The Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement, Dwi Januanto Nugroho, stated that the case demonstrates an organized form of transnational crime.

According to him, the perpetrators exploited business entities, official documents, and international logistics systems to disguise the trade of protected wildlife.

“Illegal wildlife trade is no longer merely a conservation violation; it is a transnational crime that must be addressed through robust, integrated law enforcement capable of reaching the network’s masterminds,” he said.

**Three Other Suspects Still Sought**

Although the case file for TT has been declared complete, the Ministry of Forestry confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. Investigators are still pursuing at least three other individuals suspected of playing key roles in the network.

These three individuals are alleged to be the owner of the goods, the recipient of the pangolin scales in Cambodia, and the party responsible for arranging the containerized shipment.

Subsequently, the suspect and the evidence will be handed over to public prosecutors for trial proceedings. Tracing the Network’s Financial Flows

Aswin Bangun, Head of the Forestry Law Enforcement Agency for the Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara Region, stated that investigators are not only examining communications between network members but also tracing the flow of funds suspected to be linked to the illegal trade.

This measure is being taken to dismantle the entire wildlife trafficking chain, thereby preventing similar networks from operating in the future.

“We are focused on completely dismantling the network, including tracing financial flows and identifying the parties profiting from this crime,” said Aswin.

Facing Severe Penalties

For their actions, the suspects have been charged under Article 40A paragraph (1) letter f in conjunction with Article 21 paragraph (2) letter c of Law Number 5 of 1990 concerning the Conservation of Living Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems, as amended by Law Number 32 of 2024.(*)