TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Gunung Leuser National Park Center (BBTNGL) rangers yesterday nabbed a hunter of Sumatran tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrae) in North Sumatra.
The arrest was made following a tip-off from locals that the hunter, identified with the initial M, is a resident of Batang Serangan sub-district who works as a foreman at palm oil company PT Mutiara.
The suspect had hunted and traded three Sumatran tigers, the National Park director Misran said.
Upon the arrest, the suspect was carrying a 1.9 m long and 86 cm high dead female tiger.
The Gunung Leuser National Park administrative division head Ardi Andono said that the suspect used new modus operandi of tiger hunting in the area. Hunters typically set a trap using a sling that can hurt the feet of the animal.
“Suspect M set a double sling trap measured according to the tiger’s size. Before setting up the trap, he observed the location believed to be passed by tigers. Afterward, traps were set up closely. A location could house around 200 traps,” he said.
An investigation into a wildlife trade ring is underway following the arrest.
The suspect is being charged under Law No. 5/1990 on Natural and Ecosystem Conservation which carries a 5 years sentence and Rp100 million in fines. The tiger’s carcass is now being stored in a freezer to be presented as evidence at court. “The case dossier has been handed over the Stabat Prosecutors’ Office,” Ardi said, adding that the National Park administrator is very serious in handling the case.
SAHAT SIMATUPANG