Indonesia: Farmer arrested for alleged plan to sell Sumatran tiger pelts

The Jakarta Post 8 Jul 19;

Mount Leuser National Park rangers have arrested a farmer, identified only as P, from Langkat regency, North Sumatra, for his alleged role in the trade of Sumatran tiger parts.

The rangers confiscated three tiger pelts and a tiger skull.

The Environment and Forestry Ministry’s law enforcement head of the North Sumatra-Aceh office, Haluanto Ginting, said the suspect was arrested on July 1 after the rangers went undercover as a buyer of tiger organs at the Sogong crossing, Marike district, Langkat regency.

“P was arrested when he was about to sell the tiger skin to Mount Leuser National Park rangers who went undercover,” Haluanto told reporters at his office over the weekend.

Haluanto said P had planned to sell two tiger pelts for Rp 57 million (US$ 4,033) to pay for house renovations and to buy cattle.

The investigation revealed that P had allegedly taken the pelts from tigers that were trapped within the national park's borders.

Haluanto said the suspect faced charges under articles 21 and 40 of Law No. 5/1990 on natural resources and ecosystem conservation.

“The suspect could face a maximum of five years in prison and Rp 100 million in fines,” Haluanto said, adding that evidence was sent and the suspect had been taken to the North Sumatra Police.