Pekan Baru, Riau September 14, 2016. The panel of judges in a tiger skin trafficking case sentenced two defendants to four years' imprisonment in lieu of three months and a fine of Rp 50 million at a hearing on September 8, 2016. Both Herman Alias Man Bin Mausin and Adrizal Rakasiwi alias Adri have yet to accept or appeal the verdict. They were arrested by a joint team from Riau Police, Riau Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA) and Jambi BKSDA at their homes in Kuantan Mudik sub-district, Kuantan Singingi on April 29, 2016. Included in the evidence seized by the team was one piece of tiger skin complete with bones and a set of bear bones and skins.

Wishnu Sukmantoro, Program Manager of WWF Central Sumatra Program stated, "This is the highest sentence for wildlife crime in Riau in the last decade." Wishnu added, "This sentence must be a lesson for all parties that wildlife crime is a serious crime that can be sentenced to the maximum penalty."

Public prosecutors Adrianto Mulya Budiman and Siti Kadijah Tarigan had previously charged the two with 2.5 years in prison, 6 months in prison, and a fine of Rp 50 million or 3 months in prison. The prosecutors charged them with Law No. 5 of 1990 on the Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems which carries a sentence of 5 years in prison and a fine of Rp.100 million.

Arnold Sitompul, Conservation Director of WWF-Indonesia, stated, "WWF-Indonesia appreciates the law enforcers, especially the Riau Police, BBKSDA Riau, BBKSDA Jambi and the Rengat District Court who have made maximum efforts in wildlife crime cases."

"We hope that this sentence can have a deterrent effect on similar offenders because wildlife crime is still a concern. WWF believes that law enforcement and strong commitment from law enforcement officials will reduce the threat to the extinction of Sumatran tigers and other protected animals in Indonesia," added Arnold.

In Riau, throughout 2016, law enforcement has handed down sentences in two cases of wildlife crime, namely one case of ivory poaching and one case of trafficking in three baby orangutans. The perpetrators in these two cases were sentenced to an average of 2.5 years in prison.

Arnold hopes, "Better coordination and communication between law enforcement must be improved to enforce the law against wildlife crime. WWF Indonesia is ready to support the relevant law enforcement officials in the effort to save this natural wealth."

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For more information, please contact:
Syamsidar, Communication Coordinator Riau Program, WWF Indonesia
Email: [email protected], HP: 0812 6896 095