Island focus: Rampant wildlife poaching in Leuser

Sekda Aceh Tamiang, the head of Aceh Tamiang regency, fells an illegal oil palm tree. Photo courtesy of Forum Konservasi Leuser

Following the arrest of three people from Tenggulun, Aceh Tamiang regency, Mount Leuser National Park (TNGL) on poaching allegations, forest rangers say there is a high number of wildlife poachers operating on the border between Aceh and North Sumatra. TNGL region IV head in Besitang, Octo Manik, said the poaching of endangered wildlife remained rampant in the region despite repeated arrests of poachers by TNGL forest rangers.

Octo added that forest rangers and TNGL security guards arrested three alleged Sumatran tiger poachers in the TNGL area in Langkat regency, North Sumatra, four months ago and another three in Tenggulun on Saturday.

Octo said the three alleged poachers were apprehended at around 7 p.m. local time in Besitang region in the border area between Aceh and North Sumatra. He added that the poachers were caught while hunting in TNGL.

They have been identified as Imron, 28, Mukhlis, 42, and Jaiman, 32, all of Tenggulun village in Aceh Tamiang. Forest rangers seized three long-barreled guns, a box of ammunition and two motorcycles from them.