Authorities on Saturday found 11 slain kijang (muntjac deers) and other animals that were believed to have been shot by poachers at the revered habitat of West Bali National Park (TNBB) in Sumber Klampok Village, Buleleng.
As the authorities intensify efforts to apprehend the culprits, police have issued a plea for the suspects to surrender.
“We ask [the perpetrators] to surrender,” urged Buleleng Police’s spokesman Gede Darma Diatmika today in Buleleng.
The suspects were identified with national identity cards (KTP) and vehicle ownership documents that were found left behind in the TNBB jungle.
“The identity of the suspected perpetrators in the form of the left-behind KTP has been secured. Also with regards to the vehicle that was used, [we are also] conducting an investigation to determine the owner,” Diatmika elaborated.
Based on accounts from TNBB officers, it is believed that two individuals were involved in the illicit wildlife hunt.
The incident transpired when officers conducted routine patrols in the TNBB area, specifically in the Tegal Bunder region of Sumber Klampok Village on Friday night at approximately 9pm.
Subsequently, in the early hours of Saturday at around 1:30am, the TNBB officers rested at the entrance gate of Tegal Bunder, which had already been securely sealed.
Moments later, a Toyota Kijang (ironically) came to a halt at the gate. As officers approached the vehicle for inspection, it abruptly reversed at high velocity. A determined pursuit ensued, leading the officers deep into the jungle.
However, upon discovery, the car was found vacant. Despite exhaustive efforts, the perpetrators remained elusive. Within the vehicle, officers discovered the dead deers.
It was suspected that the perpetrators were able to bypass TNBB guards by passing through unguarded road repairs.
