Bangka Belitung. The Sumatra Regional Office for Forest Law Enforcement, together with the Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and the Alobi Foundation, successfully thwarted the illegal trade of protected eagle species in Beluluk Village, Central Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung.

Manager of the Air Jangkang Wildlife Rescue Center (PPS) of the Alobi Foundation, Endi R Yusuf, said that 16 eagles were seized from a resident who attempted to sell them online via social media.

“The confiscated eagles consist of 13 black-shouldered kites (Elanus caeruleus) and three brahminy kites (Haliastur indus),” Endi said on Tuesday.

He explained that these species are listed as protected under the Environment and Forestry Ministry Regulation Number P.106 of 2018 concerning Protected Plant and Animal Species.

“The brahminy kites consist of two juveniles and one chick. Meanwhile, the black-shouldered kites consist of three adults, five juveniles, and five chicks,” he said.

All the confiscated eagles were then transferred to rehabilitation cages to undergo quarantine and medical examination by veterinarians.

Meanwhile, the perpetrator has been taken into custody at the South Sumatra BKSDA Regional Section III office. The suspect is currently under investigation by the Sumatra Regional Gakkum team.

The perpetrator faces charges under Law Number 32 of 2024 on the Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems, carrying a maximum prison sentence of 15 years and a fine of up to Rp 5 billion.

“We hope this case serves as a warning to other perpetrators still engaged in the illegal trade of protected wildlife, that their actions will be dealt with firmly and carry severe legal consequences,” Endi stressed.