The East Lampung police have successfully apprehended an individual named M on suspicion of being an animal poacher in the Way Kambas National Park.
The police chief of East Lampung, AKBP Rizal Muchtar, stated that M was apprehended at his residence in Rantau Jai Udik 2 village in Sukdana District of East Lampung Regency. This 59-year-old man, who was on the List of Persons (DPO), was arrested on Tuesday (10/10/2023).
“We were able to arrest the individual named M, who is a game hunter in Way Kambas National Park,” explained Rizal in a statement on Thursday (12/10/2023). The arrest was made subsequent to the authorities’ successful arrest of another alleged criminal, S, a few months prior.
“In February, we detained a criminal in the jungle named S,” Rizal added. Through S’s statement, it was discovered that there were two other suspected criminals who managed to escape, namely M and D. The police are still in search of D.
Earlier, the matter was being investigated after M was linked to the case of land arson in Kambas National Park. Rizal stated, “We are currently interviewing the relevant individuals, and it is too early for us to draw any conclusions.”
During the arrest, law enforcement found several pieces of evidence, including a long-barreled gun, 32 rounds of 5.56 mm caliber ammunition, and a machete.
WKNP suspects that the recent forest and land fires in Way Kambas National Park were caused by animal poachers. Approximately 200 hectares of land have been burned in the past two months, with fires appearing at six points in Section 1 Way Kanan, Section 2 Bungur, and Section 3 Kuala Penet.
Sukatmoko, the Public Relations Officer of Way Kambas National Park, believes that the fires were intentionally started by individuals involved in illegal activities in the forest, particularly for hunting animals.
“Wildlife poachers deliberately burn the land because it facilitates their trapping activities when the wild grass regrows,” Sukatmoko stated on Thursday (5/10/2023).
In response to this incident, the park authorities have collaborated with the Indonesian National Armed Forces and the National Police to hunt down the perpetrators responsible for the land burning within the national park.
“We are working together with the military and police to investigate the arson activities carried out by these animal poachers,” added Sukatmoko.
FAQs:
Q: What evidence was found during M’s arrest?
A: The authorities discovered a long-barreled gun, 32 rounds of 5.56 mm caliber ammunition, and a machete during M’s arrest.
Q: What caused the recent fires in Way Kambas National Park?
A: It is suspected that the fires were intentionally started by animal poachers engaging in illegal activities within the forest.
Q: How much land has been burned in the past two months?
A: Approximately 200 hectares of land have been burned in Way Kambas National Park in the last two months.
Q: How many people are suspected of being involved in the land burning?
A: Two individuals, M and D, are suspected of being involved in the land burning. The authorities are still searching for D.
