Tangerang. An Egyptian national was arrested at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang after authorities discovered three endangered gibbons hidden in his suitcase. 

The man, identified by his initials GMA, 36, was preparing to board a flight to the United Arab Emirates when customs officials intercepted him, acting on a tip from the public.

During the search, officials uncovered a Siamang and two Owa Ungko (agile gibbons) concealed in a carton box and a bamboo cage, hidden beneath snacks and clothing. 

“When the suitcase was inspected in the presence of the passenger, we found the three small apes, including a Siamang and two Owa Ungko,” said Gatot Sugeng Wibowo, head of the Soekarno-Hatta Customs Office.

The gibbons, native to Sumatra, are classified as endangered species. Siamangs and Owa Ungkos possess distinctive throat sacs capable of producing loud, resonant calls. These animals typically weigh around 5 kilograms each.

GMA was carrying a Jakarta-Dubai ticket for Emirates Airlines flight EK-357, according to Gatot.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had obtained the gibbons from an Indonesian trader and intended to smuggle them into the UAE. GMA reportedly admitted to being involved in the illegal trade of endangered Asian species, trafficking them to countries in the Middle East and Africa.

The suspect is facing charges under Indonesia's customs law, which carries a maximum prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of Rp 5 billion ($322,268).