The Agency for Security and Law Enforcement (Balai Pengamanan dan
Penegakan Hukum/BPPH) for Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara asissted by Scorpion
Wildlife Trade Monitoring Group connfiscated two protected birds, The
brahminy kite (Haliastur indus) and crested
hawk-eagle (Spizaetus cirrhatus). The
two birds were confiscated from a house of an employee of Jakarta provincial government with initial “D” in Cipayung area,
East Jakarta.
The brahminy kite is the mascot of Jakarta and its existence in nature is extremely rare.
A law enforcement officer of the BPPH Saptawi Sunarya who led the confiscation
explained to the illegal owner of the eagles that the status of the birds is
protected species. After the explanation, he was willing to hand over the
birds, although at first refused to do so.
Saptawi explained, based on Law No. 5 of 1990, any person who keep or trade proteced animal would
be get maximum 5 years imprisonment and a fine of IDR100 million (about USD7,6000).
It is estimated that both birds are less than 1 year old. These birds
have been handed over Tegal Alur Animal Rescue Centre in West Jakarta.
Meanwhile senior investigator of Scorpion Marison Guciano who
accompanied the BPPH officers in the confiscation explained that when the birds
were discovered they were confined in small cages. Scorpion then reported their
findings to the Wildlife Authority (BKSDA) Jakarta and the Forestry Rapid
Response Unit (Satuan Polisi Hutan Reaksi Cepat/ SPORC) at the Ministry of
Environment and Forestry.
Marison hopes that no more people keeping protected animals illegally.
He also appealed to everyone who currently keeps protected wildlife at their
homes to immediately hand it over to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.
