An Egyptian national was arrested for attempting to transport the animals, which included several protected species, without legal documents.
The individual, identified as AAEA, was intercepted with the animals hidden in his checked luggage, which was bound for Jeddah.
Head of the Forestry Law Enforcement Agency for Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara, Aswin Bangun, confirmed that international airports are critical points for illegal wildlife trade.
"Any attempt to bring protected animals into or out of Indonesia without proper documents will be prosecuted as a criminal offense, without exception, including against foreign nationals," said Bangun.
Following the discovery, a multi-agency team—including the Forestry Ministry, Quarantine, Police, and the Jakarta Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA)—found the 32 live reptiles packed into ten small bags.
The seized animals included: 3 Black Tree Monitors (Varanus beccarii), which are a protected Indonesian species, 6 Albino Reticulated Pythons, 17 Platinum Tiger Morph Pythons, 2 Leopard Geckos, and 4 Tegu Lizards.
The reptiles were immediately transferred to the Tegal Alur Wildlife Rescue Center for essential health checks and care, ensuring their welfare.
AAEA has been named a suspect and is currently detained.
The Forestry Ministry’s Law Enforcement Directorate is continuing the investigation to uncover potential wildlife trafficking networks in the intended destination countries.
Head of the Jakarta BKSDA Didid Sulastiyo emphasized the serious harm caused by the illegal trade, stating it goes beyond an administrative breach.
"The Black Tree Monitor is native to Eastern Indonesia and its wild population is threatened by poaching," Sulastiyo explained.
"Transporting live animals in small, unventilated bags is not only illegal but subjects them to serious suffering and a high risk of death, directly undermining global conservation efforts," he said.
Translator: Arie Novarina
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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