Antara News·Indonesia·Friday, September 25, 2026 at 04:27 AM

RI Govt probes 101 protected birds found in Medan residence

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Prisca Violleta, Uyu Liman

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Forestry Ministry is investigating the discovery of 101 protected birds at a Medan residence, linking the seizure to an illegal wildlife trafficking network uncovered in January.

Sumatra Regional Forestry Law Enforcement Agency Head Hari Novianto said the birds were found at the home of AS, who was convicted in a wildlife trafficking case handled by the agency earlier this year.

“Public tip-offs served as the entry point for uncovering this case,” Novianto said in a statement issued on Thursday, Sept. 24.

Acting on community reports, authorities raided the property on Sept. 14 and seized 37 blue-winged leafbirds (Chloropsis moluccensis), 42 lesser green leafbirds (Chloropsis cyanopogon) and 22 blue-masked leafbirds (Chloropsis venusta).

Eleven birds were found dead. The surviving birds were rescued and later released by the ministry at Sibolangit Nature Tourism Park in neighboring Deli Serdang district.

“Our investigation revealed a family tie between AS and MF, who was previously prosecuted for illegal wildlife trading. Investigators are currently examining their business relationship,” Novianto said.

MF was convicted after the ministry's Directorate General of Law Enforcement uncovered the illegal trade of seven protected birds in Deli Serdang District in January 2026.

He was sentenced to 3½ years in prison and fined one billion rupiah (US$55,978) for transporting and trading protected wildlife.

Forestry Ministry Director General of Law Enforcement Dwi Januanto Nugroho separately reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to wildlife protection through prevention, rescue operations and strict law enforcement.

Nugroho said wildlife poaching and environmental destruction threaten not only ecosystems but also natural heritage that is an important part of Indonesia's national identity.

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