WWF Indonesia Riau Program visited the Rengat District Court on Wednesday (19/10). The visit aimed to show appreciation for the support and commitment in the law enforcement process of wildlife crime.

Wishnu Sukmantoro, Program Manager of WWF Riau said that this award is a form of appreciation because the Rengat District Court has decided a 4-year prison sentence for the tiger skin trade case.

''The verdict is the highest record for wildlife crime cases in the last 11 years in Riau Province. Hopefully this commitment to law enforcement from the Rengat District Court will become an example for other District Courts to provide a deterrent effect and always be able to build performance and integrity." Wishnu said.

This visit was welcomed by the Chairman of the Rengat District Court Moh. Sutarwadi, SH. "We are grateful for the reward given by WWF Riau for our commitment regarding animal issues. It is our duty to protect them, because after all, animals must always be protected." He said.

"We are committed to upholding justice and providing a deterrent effect with high penalties," he added.

The parties who were given the award from WWF Riau included Moh, Sutarwadi as the Chairman of the Rengat District Court, Wiwin Sulistya, Petra Jeanny Siahaan, Immanuel Marganda as the Panel of Judges, and Iwan Uripno as the Registrar of the trial with case number 366/Pid.sus-Ih/2016/PN.Rgt.

The arrest case conducted by Riau Police, BBKSDA Riau and Jambi BKSDA for the possession of one piece of tiger skin complete with bones and a set of bones and bear skins succeeded in dragging Herman als Man bin Mausin and Adrizal Rakasiwi als Adri to become defendants. The arrest was made in Kuantan Mudik District, Kuantan Singingi on April 29, 2016.

The trial itself began at the end of July and was only decided in early September. In his indictment, the public prosecutor demanded 2.5 years imprisonment with 6 months in lieu and a fine of 50 million or 3 months in lieu. The prosecutor charged the two defendants with Law No. 5 of 1990 on the Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems.

However, due to various considerations, the panel of judges finally decided on a higher sentence of 4 years in prison with a fine of 60 million rupiah.

''The most aggravating thing for the defendant so that the panel of judges decided on a sentence of 4 years in prison was because the defendant did not admit ownership of the body parts of endangered animals found in his house." Explained Immanuel Marganda who was one of the judges in the case.

''It is hoped that this visit can build cooperation with WWF and can provide input and criticism to us." Sutarwadi concluded. The visit ended with the submission of a certificate of appreciation and a group photo.