Authorities silent over endangered species sales
Authorities silent over endangered species sales
JAKARTA (JP): Pramuka bird market in East Jakarta does not
only sell birds, people can also procure rare animals from the
traders through "black market" transactions.
Rumors about the illegal trading at the market are widespread
among Jakartans and ironically, the market is adjacent to the
main office of the city-owned market management PD Pasar Jaya.
But the market authority, seemingly, has done nothing to stop the
illicit trading.
Some traders admit that the illegal trade in rare animals has
lasted for years but no legal action has ever been imposed.
Pasar Jaya management could not be reached on Saturday for
comment on the illegal business.
The Jakarta Post witnessed several traders secluding rare
animals in an untraveled area at the rear of the bird market,
hidden among the kiosks. Naturally, it would be difficult for
someone to find the place accidentally.
Moreover, the only entry to the trading area on the second
floor, is always "guarded" by people who sit on the stairs,
preventing casual visitors and "unfamiliar faces" from
approaching the area without being properly screened.
The traders do not display their merchandise, but several
shills search for prospective customers, inquiring in low voices
if the potential customer has interests in rare animals. Anyone
showing interest who looks genuine is then escorted to a "quiet"
place.
The quiet place is merely a location away from prying eyes and
acute ears where the trader and customer can talk in confidence.
The animals are not kept at this location and traders only
bring an animal to the "transaction area" after the customer
mentions the animal he wants.
Various rare animals can be found there, like baby Malayan
bear, porcupine, gibbon, Cendrawasih, and a feline they call
Angola cat. Prices range between Rp 900,000 (US$128) and Rp 7
million.
A trader's assistant, identified only as Haris, said he could
provide any kind of rare animal a customer might want.
"Just mention what kind of animal you want, then we will
search for the creature," said Haris, who claimed to have a
network of rare animal procurers throughout the country.
Abdul Hamid, who has been a trader for about 10 years, said
local traders relied on suppliers, who came from as far away as
Irian Jaya in eastern Indonesia.
"Usually, we notify our suppliers to search for animals that
have been ordered by our customers," he said, while offering a
baby Malayan bear for Rp 3 million.
Hamid said his customers were mostly rich people or military
top brass. He mentioned a well-known Army general who was a
customer.
The trading of such rare animals is forbidden under Law No.
5/1990 on natural resources and ecosystem conservation, and Law
No. 16/1992 on fish, animal and plant quarantine.
Any violator of the laws can be sentenced to a maximum of
three years in prison and a fine of Rp 150 million. (ind)