August 20, 2025 | 08:16 am
Senior Wildlife Campaigner Geopix, Annisa Rahmawati, considers the transfer of protected and unprotected wildlife by the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry to India as an unethical act. This is because, on one hand, orangutans and other animals are suffering and being entrapped in illegal trade," she said in a written statement on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
Annisa voiced her criticism in line with the World Orangutan Day. Moreover, the illegal trade of these animals has not been transparently and thoroughly addressed.
According to Annisa, in India, a number of Indonesian orangutans were found illegally, and the process of their return or repatriation still requires lengthy procedures. Furthermore, the country is also often a destination for the illegal wildlife trade.
"We are faced with the irony that Indonesia is giving away protected and unprotected wildlife as a 'gift' to a country that has repeatedly been a destination for illegal trade," she said.
Geopix is urging the government to evaluate Minister of Forestry Decree No. 278 of 2025 regarding the Granting of Protected and Unprotected Wildlife to Greens Zoological Rescues and Rehabilitation Center India. Additionally, they are requesting a renegotiation for the best benefits that should be obtained as part of a written clause in the name of Indonesia's sovereignty and natural wealth.
Secondly, Geopix is urging the government to expedite the process of repatriating Indonesian wildlife, particularly orangutans, from India. Thirdly, to evaluate and improve the governance of conservation diplomacy, to be practiced in equal agreements and not just symbolically as a diplomatic gift without assurance of protection and fair long-term benefits.
Previously, through Minister of Forestry Decree No. 278/2025, issued on May 23, 2025, three siamangs (Symphalangus syndactylus), two clouded leopards (Neofelis diardi), one leopard (Panthera pardus melas), 10 sun bears (Helarctos malayanus), two proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus), and 15 long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) were granted to Greens Zoological Rescues and Rehabilitation Center India.
These animals were entrusted from the Conservation Agency of Natural Resources of Jakarta and the Conservation Agency of Natural Resources of South Kalimantan. Previously, they were handed over by the community to the conservation institutions PT Fauna Land and Jhonlin Lestari Wildlife Park.
The Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation of the Ministry of Forestry, Satyawan Pudyatmoko, stated that this grant was an exchange between institutions engaged in plant and animal conservation and a government gift.
According to Satyawan, the legal basis is under Article 22 paragraph (2) of Law Number 5 of 1990 as amended by Law 32/2024 concerning the Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and Ecosystems (KSDAHE). Nevertheless, Satyawan claims that his ministry is very selective in issuing permits. "The recipient institutions must be credible and have a good track record," he said.
Such gifts are also considered to strengthen the relations between countries. Greens Zoological Rescues and Rehabilitation Center India also offers the grant of animals, assistance to strengthen the monitoring of the illegal circulation of rare plants and animals, improvements to conservation facilities, including the development of elephant hospitals or clinics, the enhancement of human resources capacity in conservation, and others.
Irsyan Hasyim contributed to this article.
Editor's Choice: Orangutan Found Near Central Kalimantan's Oil Palm Plantation Linked to Land Clearing, Says BKSDA
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo in Google News
Today's Top 3 News: Mali Wins 2025 Independence Cup with 2-1 Victory Over Indonesia
15 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Top 5 Most Popular Social Media Platforms Among Indonesians
19 jam lalu
The most widely used social media in Indonesia is dominated by five platforms. What are they?
Indonesia's 91,028 Islamic Religious Teachers Expected to Be Eligible for Professional Allowance in 2026
21 jam lalu
Islamic religious teachers who complete professional education program in Indonesia will receive professional allowance starting 2026.
Germany, Japan Partner to Face Down 'Aggressive' China
22 jam lalu
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul began his first trip in office to Japan by praising his host country as Berlin's "premium partner" in Asia.
Indonesian Minister for Child Protection Discusses Possibility of Blocking Roblox
1 hari lalu
Indonesia's Women and Child Protection Minister, Arifatul Choiri Fauzi, gives a chance for Roblox developers to improve their system.
Highlights from RI's 80th Independence Day: Flag Kiss, Chariot Parade, and Silat Performance
1 hari lalu
The 80th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia's Independence Day ceremony had some differences compared to previous ones.
Final World Games 2025 Standings: Indonesia Ranks 20th
1 hari lalu
According to the official World Games 2025 website, August 18, the 26 Indonesian athletes secured four golds, four silvers, and one bronze.
Indonesians in the Netherlands Celebrate 80th Independence Day
1 hari lalu
Thousands of Indonesian citizens and diaspora attended Indonesia's 80th Independence Day in Den Haag.
Indonesia U-23 Schedule for 2026 Asia Cup Qualifiers Announced
1 hari lalu
The Indonesian U-23 national football team will host the Qualification Match for Asia U-23 Cup 2026 Group J from 3-9 September.
India, US Postpone Trade Talks in Response to Trump Tariffs
1 hari lalu
A visit by a U.S. trade team to India was canceled amid tensions over Trump's tariffs. India refused to open its agricultural market.
