Head of the Forestry Law Enforcement Agency for Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara (Jabalnusra), Aswin Bangun, stated on Tuesday that the suspect, identified by the initials JW, was arrested along with evidence including a 5.3 mm PCP rifle hidden at a burial site and two poached deer (Muntiacus muntjac).
He emphasized that illegal poaching using high-powered firearms must be addressed seriously, both from conservation and security standpoints.
To that end, his office is working with the police to investigate potential illegal weapons distribution networks that may be fueling poaching activities in protected areas.
Bangun explained that JW’s arrest followed the disclosure of a poaching case late last year, which led to the arrest of suspects AS, SS, and S for hunting within Mount Merbabu National Park.
The three were detained at the Magelang Police Detention Center, and further interrogation revealed JW’s role as the primary organizer behind the operation.
Bangun stressed that poaching in national parks is not merely a legal violation but also reflects systemic pressure on areas that serve as vital centers of national biodiversity.
“This law enforcement effort is not only focused on criminal prosecution, but also part of a broader mission to uphold the sovereignty of conservation areas—as habitats for wildlife and symbols of our ecological integrity,” he said.
On the same occasion, Head of Mount Merbabu National Park, Anggit Haryoso, stated that JW’s arrest is clear evidence of the state’s commitment to protecting conservation areas and wildlife.
He reminded the public that fauna such as antelope, deer, primates, and other endemic species play a crucial role in maintaining forest ecosystems and environmental balance.
“Protecting them from poaching is part of our effort to preserve ecosystems in conservation areas, which is essential for long-term forest sustainability,” Haryoso emphasized.
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Translator: Prisca Triferna, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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