INS Named Suspect in Komodo Deer-Poaching Case
Forestry law enforcement authorities named INS, 33, as a suspect in the alleged poaching of Timor deer in Komodo National Park after a nine-month manhunt, with four other alleged hunters still wanted.
Editor: Mursyid Sonsang
· 2 min read
Labuan Bajo — Forestry law enforcement authorities have named INS, 33, a suspect in the alleged illegal hunting of Timor deer in Komodo National Park after he evaded arrest for nine months, according to the Ministry of Forestry and The Jakarta Post.
INS was detained on Aug. 26, 2026, in Sumi village, Lambu district, Bima regency, West Nusa Tenggara, and was later taken to Bima City Police headquarters before further processing in Labuan Bajo, according to the ministry. The Jakarta Post also reported that he was being held at the West Manggarai Police detention center in Labuan Bajo.
The case stems from an enforcement operation at Loh Laju Pemali on Komodo Island on Dec. 13, 2025, when a joint team confronted a group suspected of poaching deer with firearms, the ministry said. The ministry said three firearms were involved, while The Jakarta Post reported that four other suspects remain wanted.
Alleged armed resistance
According to the ministry, the suspected hunters resisted arrest with firearms during the December operation, and the case has since moved into the investigation stage. The Jakarta Post reported, citing forestry investigator Ambrosius Dalija, that INS was accused of firing toward an officers’ speedboat before escaping into the sea with other hunters.
The ministry said the suspect is charged under Article 40A paragraph (1) letter d in conjunction with Article 21 paragraph (2) letter a of Law No. 32 of 2024, which amends Indonesia’s conservation law, and also under firearms-related provisions. The Jakarta Post said authorities allege that INS and his group had hunted deer for years and obtained firearms from another participant.
Forestry officials have framed the case as a conservation issue because Timor deer are part of the prey base that supports Komodo dragons in the park, according to the ministry. The park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, officials said.
Case details
- Suspect: INS, 33
- Detention location: West Manggarai Police detention center, Labuan Bajo
- Arrest location: Sumi village, Lambu district, Bima regency, West Nusa Tenggara
- Alleged incident area: Loh Laju Pemali, Komodo Island
- Alleged firearms involved: Three
- Other suspects sought: Four
The ministry said the arrest was carried out by forestry law enforcement investigators with support from Bima City Police’s Puma team and West Manggarai Police. The investigation is continuing.
Sources
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