Egyptian National Arrested in Indonesia for Attempted Reptile Smuggling

Egyptian National Apprehended at Soekarno-Hatta Airport

Indonesian authorities have arrested an Egyptian national, identified by the initials AAEA, at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Banten on December 8, 2025. The arrest was made as AAEA attempted to smuggle 32 live reptiles, some of which are protected species, in his checked luggage. The animals were reportedly bound for Jeddah.

According to Aswin Bangun, Head of the Forestry Law Enforcement Agency for Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara, international airports are critical points for illegal wildlife trade. Bangun emphasized that 'Any attempt to bring protected animals into or out of Indonesia without proper documents will be prosecuted as a criminal offense, without exception, including against foreign nationals.'

Details of the Seized Reptiles and Ongoing Investigation

Following the interception, a multi-agency team comprising the Forestry Ministry, Quarantine, Police, and the Jakarta Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) discovered the 32 reptiles packed into ten small bags.

The seized animals included:

• 3 Black Tree Monitors (Varanus beccarii), an Indonesian protected species
• 6 Albino Reticulated Pythons (Malayopython reticulatus)
• 17 Platinum Tiger Morph Pythons
• 2 Leopard Geckos (Eublepharis macularius)
• 4 Tegu Lizards (Tupinambis teguixin)

The reptiles were immediately transferred to the Tegal Alur Wildlife Rescue Center in Jakarta for health checks and care, ensuring their welfare. AAEA has been named a suspect and is currently detained at the Salemba Detention Center. The Forestry Ministry's Law Enforcement Directorate is continuing its investigation to uncover potential wildlife trafficking networks in the intended destination countries.

Indonesia's Stance Against Wildlife Trafficking

Didid Sulastiyo, Head of the Jakarta BKSDA, highlighted the severe impact of illegal trade, stating it goes beyond administrative breaches. He noted that the Black Tree Monitor, native to Eastern Indonesia, faces threats from poaching, and transporting live animals in such conditions causes 'serious suffering and a high risk of death, directly undermining global conservation efforts.'

Indonesia, a key regional biodiversity hotspot, has recently strengthened its laws against wildlife trafficking. A revised law, which took effect in August 2024, imposes harsher penalties, with individuals facing fines of up to 5 billion rupiah (approximately S$421,300) and imprisonment for up to 15 years. Corporations can face fines of up to 50 billion rupiah and up to 20 years imprisonment. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in combating the illegal wildlife trade, which is estimated to be worth billions globally each year.