Protected Birds in Papua Traded via Facebook, One Suspect Arrested

An alleged trade of protected birds through Facebook has been uncovered in Jayapura, Papua, Indonesia, prompting an investigation by the Forestry Law Enforcement Agency (Balai Penegakan Hukum Kehutanan) for the Maluku and Papua region. The agency's investigation team identified the potential illegal trade via social media through cyber monitoring, leading to verification and further inquiry. Subsequently, a suspect identified as MH, 35, residing in the Entrop area of Jayapura City, was apprehended after a search of his residence, conducted with the cooperation of local community leaders. During the search, authorities seized seven protected birds, believed to be intended for trade, including five Black-capped Lories (Lorius lory), one Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus), and one Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita). Four birdcages, suspected of being used to house the animals, were also confiscated. MH was taken into custody for further questioning and investigation. Dwi Januanto Nugroho, Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement, stated that the trade of protected wildlife continues to evolve in line with changing societal transaction patterns, necessitating adaptive law enforcement measures. He emphasized that this operation is part of the commitment by Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni to strengthen Indonesia's biodiversity protection. "The trade of protected wildlife continues to adapt to technological developments and utilizes the digital space to reach potential buyers. Therefore, law enforcement must also become more adaptive through strengthened supervision, utilization of digital information, and inter-agency collaboration," Januanto said in a written statement on Wednesday (29/7). Fredrik E. Tumbel, Head of the Maluku and Papua Regional Office of the Forestry Law Enforcement Agency, confirmed that the investigation team conducted field verification and discovered the seven protected birds. MH is expected to be prosecuted under relevant articles of Law Number 32 of 2024 concerning Amendments to Law Number 5 of 1990 on the Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems. This incident highlights the challenges in wildlife protection in the digital age, where online platforms can be exploited for illegal activities.