Indonesia plans to quadruple maximum jail terms for animal poachers and traffickers in a major overhaul of wildlife crime laws, but environmentalists expressed scepticism Wednesday the changes would be effective.
Maximum sentences for poaching and trading protected animals will be increased from five years to 20 years under the new legislation proposed by the environment and forestry ministry.
“We want stronger law enforcement, we want people who transgress the law to face higher sentences,” Tachrir Fathoni, said a senior ministry official who is spearheading efforts get the law passed.
Indonesia is one of the most biodiverse nations on Earth, home to vast tracts of rainforest and a kaleidoscope of rare animals, from orangutans to tigers and rhinos.
Pet trade is driving Indonesian rare birds dangerously close to extinction
But many have been pushed to the brink of extinction. While destruction of their habitats due to rampant logging has played a role, endangered animals are also frequently targeted by poachers who sell their body parts for use in Chinese medicine.
The government has faced criticism for inaction, with green groups saying laws relating to protected animals are not strong enough.