FORINA Sends a Letter to Langkat District Prosecutor’s Office on Wildlife Protection Case

On September 3, 2023, FORINA, alongside several NGO Chamber member organizations, sent an official letter to the Head of the Langkat District Prosecutor’s Office, expressing concerns over the recent court ruling regarding the possession of protected wildlife by the inactive Regent of Langkat, Terbit Rencana Perangin-angin. The case involved several protected species, including a Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii), a Sulawesi black macaque (Macaca nigra), a changeable hawk-eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus), and two hill mynas (Gracula religiosa).

According to media reports, Perangin-angin was sentenced to just 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 significantly lighter than the Public Prosecutor’s request for ten months in prison and a fine of IDR 50,000,000. FORINA believes this verdict fails to uphold the serious nature of wildlife protection and conservation, particularly for endangered species that are national treasures.

Such a decision could set a dangerous precedent for law enforcement regarding wildlife possession in Indonesia, especially in North Sumatra. Given the critical status of the species involved, it is vital that strong legal action is taken to ensure the protection of wildlife and their habitats.

FORINA strongly supports the Head of the Stabat District Prosecutor’s Office in pursuing an appeal. We believe this legal action could be a significant contribution to the national effort in wildlife conservation. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to supporting government efforts, particularly the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, in enforcing laws against wildlife crimes.

Through this action, we aim to raise public and institutional awareness about the importance of preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species. We urge all stakeholders to work together in safeguarding the future of orangutans and other endangered species, ensuring that strict legal measures are in place to protect their habitats.