The Rise of Bird Trafficking on Social Media in Indonesia

*Heri Tarmizi

Image source Google

Rosek Nursahid, the founder of ProFauna, states that approximately 70% of these cases involved social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.

Bird trafficking is an alarming and pervasive issue in Indonesia, facilitated significantly by the advent of social media platforms. This essay delves into the intricacies of bird trafficking via social media in Indonesia, highlighting the findings of ProFauna Indonesia, an NGO dedicated to animal protection, and providing a detailed account of personal observations within Facebook groups. The rise of this illicit trade is attributed to the convenience, anonymity, and vast reach offered by social media platforms, coupled with a growing trend of aviculture popularized by public figures and institutions.

 ProFauna Indonesia's Findings

ProFauna Indonesia has meticulously documented the surge in wildlife trafficking cases over the years. In 2012, there were 1,200 recorded cases of wildlife trafficking on the internet. By 2014, this number had escalated to 3,640 cases. Rosek Nursahid, the founder of ProFauna, states that approximately 70% of these cases involved social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. This significant increase underscores the pivotal role that social media plays in facilitating illegal wildlife trade.

Personal Observations in Facebook Groups

To gain a deeper understanding of the bird trafficking dynamics on social media, I conducted a detailed investigation by joining seven closed Facebook groups dedicated to the trade of illegal birds. These groups operate covertly, allowing members to buy and sell birds, ranging from chicks to adult breeders, often sourced from the wild. The prices of these birds varied from IDR 250,000 to IDR 2,000,000, reflecting the illicit market's economic scope.

The use of closed Facebook groups provides several advantages for traffickers. Firstly, the closed nature of these groups ensures a level of security and discretion, reducing the risk of detection by authorities. Secondly, social media platforms offer a vast reach, enabling traffickers to connect with potential buyers across a wide geographical area. This is particularly beneficial in regions like Aceh, where there is no specific bird market, making social media the primary avenue for such transactions.

The Influence of Public Figures and Institutions

The trend of bird trafficking is further exacerbated by the public's fascination with aviaries, especially those owned by public figures and institutions. For instance, certain mosques in Aceh and public places like gas stations have aviaries, attracting the general public and fueling the desire to own exotic birds. These aviaries, however, often lack proper regulation and oversight, leading to unethical practices and contributing to the demand for trafficked birds.

The widespread interest in aviculture without adequate awareness and regulation creates an environment where illegal bird trade can thrive. Many individuals are unaware of the legal and ethical implications of keeping exotic birds, leading to inadvertent participation in illegal wildlife trade. Public figures and institutions, by showcasing their aviaries, inadvertently promote this trend, emphasizing the need for education and regulation in aviculture.

The Role of Social Media in Bird Trafficking

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have revolutionized communication and commerce, providing unprecedented opportunities for both legal and illegal activities. In the context of bird trafficking, these platforms offer several distinct advantages:

1. Anonymity: social media allows traffickers to operate under pseudonyms, making it difficult for authorities to trace their activities.

 2. Wide Reach: The extensive user base of these platforms enables traffickers to reach a vast audience, connecting with potential buyers across the country and even internationally.

3. Convenience: Social media provides a convenient and efficient means of communication, allowing for quick negotiations and transactions.

4. Lack of Regulation: The rapid growth of social media has outpaced the development of adequate regulatory frameworks, creating a loophole for illegal activities like wildlife trafficking.

The Need for Education and Regulation

Addressing the issue of bird trafficking on social media requires a multi-faceted approach involving education, regulation, and enforcement.

1. Education: Public awareness campaigns are crucial to inform individuals about the legal and ethical implications of bird trafficking. Educational initiatives should target both potential buyers and the general public, emphasizing the importance of wildlife conservation and the consequences of illegal trade.

2. Regulation: Social media platforms need to implement stricter regulations to monitor and prevent illegal wildlife trade. This includes developing algorithms to detect suspicious activities, collaborating with wildlife protection agencies, and enforcing stringent penalties for violators.

3. Enforcement : Law enforcement agencies must enhance their capabilities to monitor and crack down on illegal wildlife trade. This includes training personnel to identify and investigate online trafficking activities and establishing partnerships with social media companies to facilitate information sharing and enforcement.

 Conclusion

The trafficking of birds on social media in Indonesia is a complex issue driven by convenience, anonymity, and a lack of regulation. The findings from ProFauna Indonesia and personal observations within Facebook groups highlight the pervasive nature of this illicit trade. Addressing this issue requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including NGOs, law enforcement, social media companies, and the public. By fostering education, implementing robust regulations, and enhancing enforcement mechanisms, it is possible to curb the illegal trade of birds and protect Indonesia's rich biodiversity.

Bibliography

- Conservation International. (2022). The Role of Social Media in Wildlife Trafficking. Retrieved from   https://www.conservation.org/publications/role-of-social-media-in-wildlife-trafficking

- Facebook Groups. (2024). Personal Observations on Bird Trafficking.

- Indonesia Ministry of Environment and Forestry. (2023). Wildlife Protection Laws and Regulations. Retrieved from    https://www.menlhk.go.id/website/laws-and-regulations

- Nursahid, R. (2014). Personal Communication on Wildlife Trafficking.

- ProFauna Indonesia. (2014). Wildlife Trafficking Cases Report. Retrieved from   https://www.profauna.net/en/wildlife-trafficking-cases-report-2014