Bakauheni Port authorities seize 1,689 smuggled birds

Authorities at Bakauheni Port in South Lampung intercepted 1,689 birds being smuggled in an intercity bus traveling from Palembang to Yogyakarta. The birds were found packed in 16 cardboard boxes and 27 fruit baskets.

Of the total, 57 birds belong to seven protected species, including 22 green cucak birds, 19 branchlets, 8 Sumatran leaf birds, 5 back-fans, and one each of the Sumatran pokesai, large leaf bird, and Malay srindit. The remaining 1,632 birds consist of 25 non-protected species.

The seizure occurred during a joint patrol involving BKSDA Bengkulu, animal quarantine services, and various security agencies. The birds lacked required documentation, specifically Animal Health Certificates (SKKH) and Domestic Wildlife Transport Permits (SATS-DN). The bus driver and the animals have been taken to the Bakauheni KSKP Police Station for further investigation. Officials plan to release the birds into the Wan Abdul Rachman Great Forest Park after conducting health checks and habitat suitability assessments.