Since 1990 the Conservation Law of Indonesia has provided protection for the nation's endangered species. The nation has some of the endangered animals in the world including two species of critically endangered rhinos and the sunda pangolin which is the most trafficked mammal in the world.
The law states that those that commit wildlife crimes are subject to a punishment of up to 5 years in prison and a fine of thousands of dollars. But in reality, those that are caught face far lighter sentences or none at all.
And that is the issue. Without real punishment combined with public education campaigns and a crackdown on wildlife traffickers these animals, along with many others will still be hunted, killed and shipped to China to be used in traditional remedies that have no real medicinal value.
Indonesia needs to commit to taking wildlife crimes seriously. Those apprehended in violation of the conservation law should always be punished and used to send a warning to others who might want to make a quick buck by trading in endangered animals.
Sign the petition and ask president Joko Widodo to protect the critically endangered animals within Indonesia by cracking down on animal traffickers.
Dear President Widodo ,
I applaud your recent efforts to spread awareness of the plight of endangered animals in your country. However, that is just one piece of the equation. If law enforcement continues to allow poachers and traffickers go free when caught, then they have no incentive to stop. Too many animals in Indonesia are on the edge of extinction and it is time to hike up your efforts to protect them before it is too late. Please commit to enforcing your current conservation law and reform it to make it even more effective.
[Your comments]
Sincerely,
