Four individuals have been arrested in Indonesia on suspicion of hunting and killing a protected tapir in the Forest Conservation Area 45, Mesuji Timur, Lampung.
Lampung Police spokesperson Commissioner Yuni Iswandari Yuyun said the arrests were made following public tip-offs that led to a joint operation by Lampung Police and Mesuji District Police.
“Lampung Police together with Mesuji Police acted swiftly based on public information, successfully detaining four suspects believed to be involved in the killing of the protected tapir species,” she said in a statement on Saturday.
Police also seized several items believed to be linked to the case to assist ongoing investigations.
Yuni said the operation reflects the authorities’ strong commitment to combating crimes against protected wildlife.
She also urged the public not to hunt or kill protected species and to immediately report any such activities to authorities.
“Protection of wildlife and environmental conservation requires cooperation from all parties,” she said.
She added that law enforcement against conservation crimes is crucial to ensuring biodiversity survival.
The case gained widespread attention after footage of the tapir killing went viral on social media, sparking public outrage and calls for strict action against those responsible.
The suspects are being investigated under Indonesian conservation laws, which carry penalties of between three and 15 years’ imprisonment if convicted.
