POULTRYINDONESIA, Bitung — The government has once again demonstrated its vigilance against the threat of bird flu, specifically Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). On Wednesday (Dec 31, 2025), a TNI Navy patrol team successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle live poultry from the Philippines in the waters near the shipping channels of Bitung, North Sulawesi.
Rear Admiral Dery Triesananto Suhendi, Commander of the Navy Region VIII Command (Kodaeral VIII), explained that the intercepted vessel was an unidentified small boat carrying Philippine purebred chickens and liquor. The unnamed boat had been abandoned by its crew by the time it was discovered.
“Upon inspection, the team secured 244 Philippine purebred chickens and various brands of liquor. The total value of the goods is estimated at Rp1.22 billion, with a potential state loss of approximately Rp154.5 million,” he added.
Biosecurity Risks and National Policy
This enforcement action is considered crucial as Indonesia is currently on high alert for HPAI. Several regions in the Philippines have reported bird flu cases; therefore, the illegal entry of live poultry or animal products—bypassing quarantine procedures—poses a high risk of introducing dangerous pathogens into the country.
Agus Mugiyanto, Head of North Sulawesi Quarantine, emphasized that illegal commodities carry a high risk of harboring dangerous animal pests and diseases. Furthermore, Indonesia has officially banned poultry imports from the Philippines as a precautionary measure against HPAI, in accordance with Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin) policy.
“Indonesia is currently heightening its awareness of HPAI in the Philippines. Consequently, the entry of all types of poultry from that country is closed to protect the national livestock industry,” Agus explained.
He added that North Sulawesi Quarantine provides full technical support to ensure the commodities are handled under strict biosecurity protocols, including recommendations for destruction (culling). This step is vital to prevent risks to livestock in North Sulawesi and to protect public health.
“The entry of these chickens violates Law Number 21 of 2019 concerning Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine, as it has the potential to spread quarantine animal pests and diseases (HPHK), including zoonotic infectious diseases. The chickens are scheduled to be destroyed in early January,” he stated.