Shocking Arrest in Aceh Police Capture Tiger Skin Trader Threatening Rare Wildlife
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| Shocking Arrest in Aceh Police Capture Tiger Skin Trader Threatening Rare Wildlife. |
The Aceh Regional Police have once again demonstrated their commitment to protecting endangered wildlife. Through Unit I of Sub-Directorate IV on Special Crime Investigations, officers successfully arrested a suspect allegedly involved in the illegal trade of tiger skin.
Director of Special Criminal Investigation at Aceh Police, Commissioner Zulhir Destrian, S.I.K., M.H., stated that the suspect, identified as SB (36), was arrested in Luweng Kutuben Village, Kuala Pesisir District, Nagan Raya Regency, Aceh Province.
According to Zulhir, the arrest was the result of an ongoing investigation from a previous case in Southeast Aceh. At that time, officers had intercepted a transaction involving the sale of a Sumatran tiger skin on Wednesday, July 16. However, SB, who was suspected to be one of the key players, was not present at the scene. After a thorough investigation, SB was finally arrested on Friday, October 3, in Nagan Raya.
As reported by Antaranews on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, police found several pieces of evidence during the operation in Southeast Aceh. Among the items seized were a piece of tiger skin, 16 claws, two fangs, one finger bone, two hip bones, one joint bone, one skull bone, and two cell phones believed to have been used in the illegal trade.
Commissioner Zulhir explained that SB’s arrest came after an in-depth investigation and tracking in Nagan Raya District.
"SB is strongly suspected to be part of a wildlife trafficking network dealing in tiger body parts. The Sumatran tiger is a protected species and currently critically endangered," he said.
SB will be charged under Article 40A Paragraph (1) letter f in conjunction with Article 21 Paragraph (2) letter c of Law No. 32 of 2024, which amends Law No. 5 of 1990 on the Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems.
Commissioner Zulhir emphasized that firm action against wildlife crime is part of Aceh Police’s commitment to preserving nature and maintaining the ecological balance in Aceh, a region known for its rich biodiversity.
He also urged the public not to engage in or support hunting, trading, or owning protected wildlife.
"If anyone becomes aware of illegal wildlife trade or poaching activities, please report it immediately to the police or relevant authorities. Protecting wildlife is not just the government’s duty, but our shared responsibility," he concluded.
The swift response by the Aceh Police has received praise from environmental groups and wildlife activists. Such law enforcement efforts are expected to serve as a deterrent for offenders and prevent further illegal wildlife trading in the future.
With the Sumatran tiger population continuing to decline, every act of protection is crucial. The Sumatran tiger is one of Indonesia’s most iconic species, playing a vital role in maintaining the balance of tropical forest ecosystems.
Through collaboration between law enforcement and the public, it is hoped that wildlife trafficking cases like this will continue to decrease until they are completely eliminated across Indonesia.
