Palembang. A joint operation by the Environment and Forestry Ministry and South Sumatra Police has led to the largest rhino horn seizure in the ministry's history, both in quantity and value.

Last Friday, authorities arrested ZA, a resident of 24 Ilir Bukit Kecil, and seized eight rhino horns. Of the eight rhino horns, four are suspected to be from Indonesia and four from international sources.

“We apprehended ZA while he was in the process of making a transaction. We are investigating the source of these items and whether a syndicate is involved,” said Rasio, the Director General of Law Enforcement at the Ministry, on Tuesday.

Rhino horns, which come from critically endangered species in Indonesia, are considered a severe offense. They are valued at up to $400,000 (Rp 6.2 billion) per kilogram, with the suspect reportedly pricing them at around Rp 35 million per gram.

“The total weight of the rhino horns seized is approximately 7 kilograms,” Rasio added.

The Ministry plans to seek the maximum penalty for the suspect under Law No. 32 of 2024 on the Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and Ecosystems, which mandates a minimum sentence of three years and a maximum of 15 years in prison.

As of 2024, the Javan rhino population in Indonesia is estimated at just 81 individuals. This critically endangered species is found exclusively in Ujung Kulon National Park, Banten, Indonesia.