Jakarta, March 2 -- The Ministry of Forestry has uncovered the illegal trade of 1.38 kilograms of protected pangolin (Manis javanica) scales in Sintang District, West Kalimantan.

Head of the Kalimantan Forestry Law Enforcement Agency Leonardo Gultom confirmed on Monday that officers had detained a suspect identified as HLY along with evidence consisting of 1.38 kg of pangolin scales and a mobile phone.

"This action is part of our commitment to protecting Indonesia's biological resources from the poaching and trade of protected animals, including their body parts. We will not tolerate crimes against protected wildlife," he said.

Gultom added that the operation against HLY was aimed at curbing the illegal hunting and trade of pangolin sc...