JAKARTA TANJUNG PRIOK (ISL News - March 4, 2026) — Law enforcement officials have uncovered a large-scale smuggling attempt to smuggle pangolin scales through Tanjung Priok Port. This action is the result of a collaboration between the Tanjung Priok Customs and Excise Main Service Office Type A and the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) as part of strengthening oversight of the illegal trade in protected wildlife.
The disclosure of the case was announced at a press conference held at the Synergy Hall of the Tanjung Priok Customs and Excise Office on Wednesday (March 4). Representatives from agencies in the Tanjung Priok Port area, including PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Persero) Regional 2 Tanjung Priok, also attended the event.
The Executive General Manager of Pelindo Regional 2 Tanjung Priok said that Tanjung Priok Port as the main gateway for international trade has a strong commitment to supporting law enforcement and supervision of export-import activities.
"Pelindo fully supports the enforcement efforts carried out by Customs and Excise, along with the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), to eradicate the illegal trade in protected wildlife. As port managers, we continue to strengthen coordination and oversight systems in the port area to prevent it from being exploited for illegal activities," said the Executive General Manager of Pelindo Regional 2 Tanjung Priok.
During the operation, officers found 99 cartons of dried pangolin scales weighing a total of 3,053 kilograms. Given the estimated black market value of around Rp60 million per kilogram, the potential economic value of these illegal goods could reach hundreds of billions of rupiah.
This disclosure began with the analysis and scanning of export containers entering the Tanjung Priok Port area. The export documents declared the cargo as dried sea cucumbers and instant noodles. However, upon further inspection, officers discovered pangolin scales, which were not listed on the export documents.
In addition to pangolin scales, officers also found dried sea cucumbers in the shipment. Based on preliminary investigations, the smuggling destination was Cambodia.
Pangolins are protected by Indonesian law, making any trade in their body parts, including scales, illegal. Furthermore, it is estimated that four to six pangolins are needed to obtain one kilogram of pangolin scales, making this trade a serious threat to the species' survival.
Currently, the investigation process is still being carried out by the relevant authorities to uncover the parties involved in the smuggling network, including possible links to cross-border wildlife trade networks.
(ISL News Editorial Team/YP/email:redaksiislnewstv@gmail.com).
