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)