Protected animals sold in Bandung

From Pikiran Rakyat

Over these past few months the number of sidewalk traders in front of Bandung Indah Plaza has grown considerably. They mostly sell self-made accessories for teenagers, which show the creativity of the artists.

What worries me is that some traders have been selling protected live animals, such as macan akar, tupai (squirrels), kus-kus, snakes and burung elang (hawks).

I do not understand how they can sell protected animals in a public place. Have the Ministry of Forestry, the nature protection and conservation agency, or the NGOs involved in environmental matters done anything? Or have they at least informed the traders that selling protected animals without a permit is illegal and liable to prosecution?

These unfortunate animals are visibly badly taken care of. They hardly get anything to eat or to drink. It makes me very sad to see the condition they are in. Sometimes I want to buy the animals, but that will not solve the problem, because the traders will think their business is thriving and will look for more.

I appeal to the related agencies to take the necessary steps (they should not think of politics only, the environment also requires their attention) to protect the animals and to the public not to buy those animals.

WIENDY WIDASARI

Bandung, West Java