Wildlife smuggling in Indonesia remains rampant. Recently, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry partnered with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Indonesia to prevent and monitor the smuggling of protected species across various routes and regions.
Dr. Muhammad Ali Imron, a lecturer at the Faculty of Forestry at Universitas Gadjah Mada and a wildlife researcher, stated that the continued rise in protected wildlife smuggling cases indicates that these species still face serious threats from illegal trade.
According to him, wildlife protection efforts must be integrative, prioritizing in-situ conservation while also addressing external threats, including the prevention of illegal hunting and trade.
“One of the main reasons smuggling persists, despite existing regulations, is the continuous demand for wildlife products, both live animals and body parts,” he said on Saturday (Feb. 15).
He outlined three major challenges in combating wildlife smuggling. First, the detection capabilities of customs officers at airports, terminals, and ports remain insufficient. Second, law enforcement officials need a stronger understanding and implementation of conservation-related legal frameworks.
Lastly, the recent success in handling a Javan rhino case demonstrated the importance of integrated efforts involving the Ujung Kulon National Park team, prosecutors, and judges, who deserve recognition for their achievement.
Beyond enforcement, the government must strengthen the monitoring of smuggling routes by improving detection capabilities among officers, particularly those without a biology or wildlife conservation background.
“Public awareness also plays a crucial role in preventing illegal wildlife trade. Understanding the importance of supporting the protection of endangered species is key,” Dr. Imron added.
Meanwhile, rescued animals must undergo proper rehabilitation before returning to the wild.
“The release process should follow systematic steps to ensure the animals return to their natural habitats without disrupting existing populations,” he explained.
Dr. Imron expressed hope that Indonesia’s wildlife conservation efforts will receive strong support from national leaders in the coming years, particularly in backing WWF’s elephant conservation programs.
Additionally, he emphasized the need to promote awareness through community-based education initiatives. Collaboration between civil society and the private sector is increasingly essential for conservation success.
Author: Kezia Dwina Nathania
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photo: WWF