23-year-old Man Arrested in Padang With Pangolin Scales
Authorities also seized 16 hornbill beaks; the suspect faces up to 15 years in prison and a Rp5 billion fine.
The Sumatra Regional Office of the Forestry Law Enforcement Agency named RPS, alias R, 23, a suspect in alleged trafficking of protected wildlife body parts after his arrest in Pauh District, Padang City, West Sumatra. In a joint operation on 27 July 2026, officers seized one sack of pangolin scales, 16 hornbill beaks, one mobile phone and one motorcycle. The action was carried out with the West Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Agency and the West Sumatra Police after a public report. The Directorate General of Forestry Law Enforcement said the case is important for tracing the trade chain from hunters and collectors to end buyers. The suspect was charged under Article 40A paragraph (1) letter f in conjunction with Article 21 paragraph (2) letter c of Law No. 32 of 2024, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to Rp5 billion.