FORINA Sends a Letter to the Head of Langkat District Prosecutor’s Office Regarding the Possession of Protected Wildlife

On September 3, 2023, FORINA, along with several member organizations from the NGO Chamber, sent an official letter to the Head of the Langkat District Prosecutor’s Office to express concerns over the court ruling on the possession of protected wildlife by the inactive Regent of Langkat, Terbit Rencana Perangin-angin. FORINA stated that the court’s verdict was inadequate, considering the case involved the possession of several protected species, including one Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii), one Sulawesi black macaque (Macaca nigra), one changeable hawk-eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus), and two hill mynas (Gracula religiosa).

According to media reports, Terbit Rencana Perangin-angin was sentenced to two months in detention and fined IDR 50,000,000, with an additional one-month detention if the fine was not paid. This sentence was far lighter than the Public Prosecutor’s demand of ten months in prison and a fine of IDR 50,000,000. FORINA believes this verdict does not align with the goals of protecting and conserving protected wildlife, which are valuable national assets.

This decision could set a dangerous precedent for law enforcement regarding wildlife possession in Indonesia, particularly in North Sumatra. The existence of critically endangered species demands serious attention and firm action from all parties. Therefore, FORINA supports the Head of the Stabat District Prosecutor’s Office in filing an appeal in this case, believing that this legal action would be a significant contribution by the Attorney General’s Office in the conservation of wildlife.

This initiative is a demonstration of support for the government, particularly the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, in enforcing laws against wildlife-related crimes. We hope that this action will encourage the public and authorities to be more aware and proactivein preserving biodiversity and environmental sustainability. With strict law enforcement, the protection of orangutans and their habitats can be more effectively realized in the future. We urge all parties to work together in protecting endangered species, recognizing the critical importance of orangutan conservation and habitat preservation.