27 Februari 2016
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
SCORPION and Police Bust Illegal Trade of Eight Rare Animals in Pekanbaru, Sumatra
Scorpion Foundation and Riau Province police busted illegal trade of eight rare animals in Pekanbaru, Riau Province on Saturday, 27th of February 2016. Three traders (Adr, 46 years, Fah, 54 year, and Zul, 60 years) were arrested, and eight animals, which are protected by the Indonesia law, were confiscated including six slow lorises, one siamang, and one gibbon.
The Scorpion foundation sent its Senior Investigator to Pekanbaru 2 weeks ago to monitor the wildlife markets. From the first visit, Scorpion was able to take photographs of several protected species.
This week, Scorpion Investigator visited Pekanbaru again to provide information and photographs of protected species on sale to Riau Provincial police. The Riau Provincial police finally convinced to take action.
The Director of Scorpion Foundation, Gunung Gea states: “The danger of extinction of our protected species is real. Some species are on the brink of extinction. We have to avoid the extinction seriously. I am hoping that all government officers who still have rare animals in their home hand over all their wildlife, alive or stuffed animals, to the relevant BKSDA offices to give sample to the people of Indonesia.“
Gunung Gea added: “This is the right momentum to increase the effort of protecting our rare animals because we now have a president who is a forester. In order to protect our wildlife, we seriously need an increased role of our law enforcement agencies, the police and forest rangers. Our law No. 5/1990 clearly states that every person who kill, capture, keep protected species can be sentenced to five years in jail and fine of IDR100 million (US$7,400.00).”
Scorpion Senior Investigator Marison Guciano said: “Palapa market in Pekanbaru is one of the most notorious wildlife market I have ever visited. Protected wildlife are on sale here openly. Price of slow loris is IDR 300,000 (GBP150) per head. Honorarium for slaughter a slow loris is IDR 150,000.
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Editor’s note: Attached are two high resolution photographs of the confiscated animals. The photos can be used for free. Please credit SCORPION.
Contact Persons
1. Gunung Gea
Programme Director
SCORPION Foundation
Cellular Phone: +62852890108401
Email: gununggea@gmail.com, info@scorpionmonitor.org
2. Marison Guciano
Senior Investigator
SCORPION Foundation
Cellular Phone +6281210195047
Email: marisonguciano@gmail.com
