Lecturers from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, M.Si and Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D have been able to significantly advance efforts to halt the illegal trade in elephant ivory. The lecturer employed forensic DNA technology in an operation conducted by the Sumatra Regional Forestry and Environmental Law Enforcement and Security Agency to determine the place of origin of elephant ivory that was being trafficked into Aceh’s Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport.
The Aceh BKSDA turned over the case to Balai Gakkum KLHK Region Sumatra, which on May 18, 2023, found evidence at Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport in the form of a package or box containing elephant ivory together with chips and instant coffee. The authorities sought the assistance of forensic scientist Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono and Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D., a lecturer at the Faculty of Biology UGM with experience in forensic DNA analysis, to determine the origin of the ivory.
Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono answered right away as he has expertise in genetic study of elephant populations in Indonesia, particularly in Way Kambas and Bukit Barisan Selatan National Parks. Dr. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D., assisted him in conducting DNA analysis on the identified samples of elephant ivory. Even though the samples originated from eroded ivory, Dr. Sendi was still able to detect distinct genotypes that were particular to each population of elephants in various regions using forensic DNA techniques.
The Asian elephant’s Sumatran subspecies was identified as the source of the elephant ivory by the results of the forensic DNA investigation. This finding provides strong evidence that the ivory came from illicit trading. The provided details are essential.
Currently, the suspect M has been detained at the Aceh Regional Police for further investigation. Against the evidence in the form of 1 elephant ivory weighing 5 kg with a length of 58 cm, inner base length of 52 cm, outer base length of 62 cm with a base diameter of 31 cm, 56 sachets of coffee, 0.5 kg of chips and 1 cardboard secured at the Aceh Law Enforcement Post , Balai Gakkum KLHK Sumatra Region.
Documentation of the Press Release of the Gakkum Sumatera, 17 June 2023
The illegal trade in elephant ivory is a widespread issue that threatens the ecosystem’s viability and decimates the elephant population. It is hoped that this case would establish a significant precedent in attempts to end the unlawful trade in animals that are protected and raise public awareness of the significance of wildlife protection.