Ministry saves hundreds of songbirds from Bali smuggling

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Forestry Ministry, through the East Java Natural Resources Conservation Center (KSDA) and a joint team, successfully prevented the smuggling of hundreds of songbirds from Bali to Central Java.

Head of the East Java KSDA Center Nur Patria Kurniawan noted in a statement received in Jakarta, Tuesday, that on June 1, his team managed to intercept the illegal shipment of 331 songbirds at Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi, East Java.

He explained that the songbirds were being transported on intercity buses without the required official documents.

The shipment included 212 Merbah Trukcuk (Pycnonotus goiavier) and 119 Javanese Cinenen (Orthotomus sepium). Out of the total, 299 birds were still alive and were promptly handled and carefully attended to by the joint team.

Kurniawan noted that synergy among the Wildlife Rescue Team (Matawali), the Banyuwangi-Situbondo-Bondowoso Regional Conservation Resort (RKW) 13, the East Java KSDA Center and the East Java Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Center (BKHIT) Ketapang made the interception of the illegal shipment of 331 songbirds possible.

Kurniawan emphasized that protecting wildlife is one of the ways to express love for Indonesia, adding that caring for other living beings upholds the nation's values.

He urged the public not to purchase, keep, or trade wildlife illegally.

"If you find suspicious activity, report it immediately. Nature cannot speak, but we can be its voice," he remarked.

After an initial examination at the Ketapang Quarantine, the birds were immediately released into the Ijen Merapi Ungup-Ungup Center Nature Reserve area.

He expressed hope that the cool, natural habitat will help the animals recover from the stress caused by improper transportation.

He explained that releasing the birds symbolizes that nature still holds hope, as long as there is commitment and concrete action to preserve and protect it.