Bali Becomes Hub for Wild Bird Trade Driven by High Demand in Java

Bali is now at the centre of the largest illegal wild bird trade in Indonesia. High market demand in Java is the primary trigger for the massive smuggling and trade, threatening native bird populations with extinction.

Executive Director of FLIGHT Indonesia, Marison Guciano, revealed alarming data regarding the crisis of wild bird populations due to poaching and illegal trade. In a discussion with media in Bali, he stressed that the threat of extinction for protected wildlife is imminent.

“One of the species frequently traded is the greater green leafbird (Chloropsis sonnerati). In Indonesia, this bird is a protected species,” Marison stated.

Based on tracing of illegal trade over the past three years (2023–2025), authorities recorded 771 seizure cases. The data confirms that songbirds are the most hunted commodity to satisfy hobbies and the black market.

There are a total of 11,100 bird stalls and 125 bird markets spread across Java. Marison explained that the sheer size of the market in Java has turned Bali into a main trafficking route for wild birds from eastern Indonesia, whether by land, sea, or air. Ironically, Bali itself has only 24 bird stalls and two bird markets, yet the volume of wildlife passing through the island is enormous.

As of early June 2026, there have been 10,739 bird seizure cases. During the second week of June alone, enforcement actions were carried out at several crucial points. However, Marison lamented indications that enforcement plans were being leaked, allowing many smugglers to escape. “Often, plans for raids are leaked, so the birds get through to Ketapang Port before being returned to Gilimanuk as an exit point to Java,” he added.

FLIGHT Indonesia is urging the public to stop buying and trading protected wild birds. Firm law enforcement and public awareness are key to preventing Indonesia’s biodiversity from being wiped out by collector ego and short-term economic gain. The rupiah circulating in this illegal business is deemed not worth the ecosystem damage caused by the loss of natural predators and forest balancers.