ProFauna Denounces Television Shows and Advertisements Exploiting Wildlife

ProFauna Indonesia, has recently sent another complaint letter to the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) denouncing some television shows and advertisements exploiting wildlife. In the letter dated 20^th March 2013, signed by Radius Nursidi, ProFauna West Java Representative, the group reprehended such shows as follow: Jejak Petualangan Survival (aired by Trans7), Berburu (aired by Trans7) and Explorer Indonesia: Ambon episode (aired by Kompas TV).

Jejak Petualangan Survival (Survival adventures) has been allegedly violating the animal welfare principles and the law number 5 of 1990 concerning the Conservation of the Natural Resources and the Ecosystem. In one episode aired on 7^th March 2013 at 4 pm, the host destroyed an anthill for no reason.

In the Berburu (Hunting) aired by Trans7 on 13^th March 2013, it was shown how to hunt an Asian palm civet and a monitor lizard. Worse, the hunting was inhumane. ProFauna also concerns that the show will encourage the viewers to hunt which will lead to the increase of wildlife hunting and trading which disturbs the ecosystem.

In the last show, the Explorer Indonesia aired by Kompas TV of Ambon episode on 12^th March 2013, the host hunted a protected species, cuscus (Phalanger spp) inhumanely. The species is protected by the Law Number 5 of 1990 meaning that it is prohibited to catch, kill, keep, and trade the species.

As for the advertisement exploiting wildlife, ProFauna calls for KPI to warn the television stations airing the following advertisements:

• Gudang Garam International cigarette which features an eagle kept by a man. This violates the Law number 5 of 1990.
• Good Day coffee, that uses a Sunda scops owl (Otus hempiji).

For further information please contact:

• Radius Nursidi

  (ProFauna West Java Representative)
  Email: jabar@profauna.net