PROFAUNA Protests Wildlife Collection Displayed on “Janji Suci” TV Show

Protection of Forest & Fauna (PROFAUNA), through our West Java Representatives, protested "Janji Suci" TV show aired on TransTV on 30 April 2017 (17.00-17.30 local time) due to a display of illegal wildlife collection owned by a cousin of Rafi Ahmad, a renowned celebrity.

PROFAUNA's protest was addressed directly to TransTV and the West Java Broadcasting Commission. PROFAUNA also sent an official letter to West Java Nature Conservation Agency as the concerning authority in charge of wildlife in Indonesia.

"PROFAUNA strongly detests TV shows that display collections of protected wildlife as it can convey to viewers that such action is permissible," said Rinda Aunillah Sirait, the coordinator of PROFAUNA West Java.

West Java Nature Conservation Agency responded to PROFAUNA's report by conducting an inspection on 2 May 2017 at the house of Alshad Kautsar Ahmad, located at Jl. Kiputih No. 35, RT 05/05 Ciumbuleuit, Kec. Cidadap, Bandung. The house was used in the shooting of "Janji Suci" on the alleged episode.

The inspection resulted in seizure of 11 protected wildlife species by the officials. Among the confiscated animals were 7 Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus), 1 Salmon-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis), 1 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea), and 2 Yellow-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita).

All of the seized wildlife are protected under Law no.5 of 1990 concerning the Conservation of Living Natural Resources and Its Ecosystem, and Government Regulation no.7 of 1999 on Preservation of Flora and Fauna.

Head of West Java Nature Conservation Agency, Sustyo Iriono, on the press release stated that the agency deplores ownership of protected wildlife species which is counterproductive to conservation efforts taken by the government.

"PROFAUNA highly appreciates West Java Nature Conservation Agency's fast response to our report. We hope that this case could be prosecuted not only for the illegal ownership but also regarding the origins of the animals," added Rinda.