The Illegal Primate Trade in Palembang – South Sumatera

The illegal primate trade in Palembang - South Sumatera gets worse where dozens of primates including the protected species like the slow loris (Nycticebus sp) and the siamang (Hylobates syndactilus) are sold every month. In the latest report of ProFauna Indonesia and the International Primate Protection League (IPPL) launched on early July 2012, it reveals the facts that Palembang is one of the main hubs of primate trade in Indonesia as the illegal primates are smuggled to some big cities in Java like Jakarta and Yogyakarta.

The primate trade in Palembang takes place mainly in 16 Ilir market. The market is notorious as the hub of the illegal trade of rare wildlife in Sumatera. Despite the small size, the market sells many rare wildlife species like the slow loris, siamang, pangolin, mouse deer, eagle, langur, long-tailed macaque, etc. The are very likely to be wild caught instead of captive-bred. Some of them are even caught from the nature conservation areas.

The primates traded in Palembang are both alive animals and the by-products, like the meat and the brain. Most species which is butchered and taken its brain is the long-tailed macaque. The consumers are sailors from China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Korea who dock at Palembang sea ports. In one week, there are at least 10 long-tailed macaques cruelly slaughtered for their brains.

Full report of the illegal primate trade in Palembang as follows: Report of the Illegal Primate Trade in Palembang - South Sumatera

Film showing the illegal trade and slaughter of the primates as follows (WARNING: contains graphic footage of animal abuse): Film of the Illegal Primate Trade in Palembang

Law Enforcement is Necessary

According to the Law Number 5 year 1990 concerning the Conservation of the Natural Resources and the Ecosystem, the trade of the protected animals (like slow loris, langur, and siamang) is prohibited and offenders are liable to a five-year prison term and a 100-million Rupiah fine. Meanwhile, even thought the long-tailed macaque/monkey is not protected by the law, according to the Law Number 41 year 1999 of Forestry: any one is prohibited to export, carry, and transport the unprotected wildlife from the Forestry areas without permit.

The illegal primate trade, both alive and by-product, must stop. Not only does it violate the law, but the trade also consists of animal cruelties. Please help ProFauna to stop the trade and slaughter of the primates in Indonesia by sending letter to the following addresses:

Governor of South Sumatera Province

Jl. Kapten A Riai No 1 Palembang, Indonesia
Fax: +62711-352105

Mr. Zulkifli Hasan SE. MM

Menteri Kehutanan Republik Indonesia (Forestry Minister)
Gedung Manggala Wanabakti Blok I Lt. 3
Jl. Jend. Gatot Subroto Jakarta, Indonesia 10270
Email: menhut@dephut.go.id