Animal March Highlights Animal Protection Issues in Indonesia, Presenting Eight Demands
Animal protection and welfare in Indonesia continue to face significant challenges, ranging from human-wildlife conflict and illegal trade to exploitation and weak handling of animal abuse and abandonment cases. These issues were highlighted during the ‘Animal March’ held in conjunction with World Animal Day on Sunday (4/10/2026).
The Animal March was a joint action by 11 animal protection organisations under the theme “Animals Can Feel, Animals Have Consciousness”. The march, which took place during Jakarta’s Car Free Day, followed a route from Dukuh Atas to the Bundaran HI roundabout.
Participants presented eight demands deemed essential for the attention of the government and the public to strengthen animal protection in Indonesia. These demands include halting extractive industries that threaten wildlife habitats and sustainability; law enforcement that favours animals; protection of wildlife from exploitation disguised as conservation, entertainment, education, and tourism; and the cessation of intensive farming practices.
Furthermore, they demanded protection for working animals and the cessation of animal use where replacement technology is available. Other demands include action against the trade and transport of animals that threaten safety, an end to the trade and keeping of wildlife, and the strengthening of protection for companion animals.
Elfha Shavancira, leader of the Act for Farmed Animals (AFFA) campaign, stated that the action is part of an effort to raise public awareness regarding animal welfare issues. “The global theme for World Animal Day 2026 is ‘See the World Through Their Eyes’. The Animal March serves as a collective movement to open the public’s eyes to the fact that practices of violence against animals are still widespread in Indonesia,” said Elfha.
She noted that animal protection requires both public education and the strengthening of regulations and law enforcement. “Through massive education, appropriate regulation, and strict implementation, we hope Indonesia can transform into a more animal-friendly and caring nation,” she added. Elfha emphasised that welfare issues concern not only wildlife but also farmed animals, working animals, and companion animals.
Meanwhile, Amelia Efiliana, Secretary and Advocate of LBH Animal Lawyer Indonesia, highlighted the legal aspects of handling animal cruelty cases. “In the legal realm, the handling of cases is often limited to administrative aspects, permits, or ownership status alone. Meanwhile, the pain, suffering, and the rights of animals as victims are not yet primary considerations,” said Amelia.
She also highlighted activities held under the guise of conservation, education, and animal displays that, in practice, can shift towards entertainment and the objectification of animals. According to Amelia, the protection of working animals, the regulation and supervision of live animal transport, and the trend of wildlife ownership require more serious attention.
“The rising trend of wildlife ownership and maintenance, promoted through social media, requires serious attention, adequate regulation, and a real commitment from the government,” she said.
Elly Mangunsong, Co-founder and Program Director of Animal Friends Jogja, stated that animal protection must encompass all groups and not stop at specific species. “Companion animals, farmed animals, working animals, wildlife, and other animals all have the right to be protected from violence, exploitation, and treatment that neglects their welfare,” said Elly.
She assessed that these efforts require the involvement of the government, businesses, and the public. The government plays a role through regulation and law enforcement, while businesses are encouraged to implement ethical and responsible practices. The public plays a role through increased awareness and care for animal welfare.
“Animal protection is not just about preventing violence and exploitation, but also about how we build a life alongside other living beings in a more just, responsible, and compassionate manner,” said Elly.
The Animal March was attended by AFFA, Animal Friends Jogja (AFJ), Animal Alliance Asia (AAA), Aquatic Initiative for Restoration (AIR), Animal Don’t Speak Human (ADSH), Persatuan Ayam Sejahtera Indonesia (PASI), 21 Hari Vegan, Dog Meat Free Indonesia (DMFI), JAAN Domestik, Across Species Project Indonesia (ASPI), and LBH Animal Lawyer Indonesia.
In addition to delivering orations, participants carried replicas of a globe featuring various animal icons to convey the importance of protecting all species. The organisers hope the action serves as a space for consolidation among various animal welfare groups and pushes animal protection and welfare issues onto the public policy agenda in Indonesia.