Ministry of Forestry Prepares New Strategy to Dismantle Wildlife Trade Networks

Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) is shifting its strategy to combat illegal trade in plants and wildlife. The ministry aims to dismantle organized crime networks by targeting key figures and the economic benefits driving these illicit activities. This new approach acknowledges that traditional law enforcement focused solely on individuals in the field is insufficient.

The strategy was discussed at a Multistakeholder Meeting on Integrated Forestry and Wildlife Law Enforcement in Bogor. The event brought together law enforcement officials and stakeholders from various sectors, including civil servant investigators, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), police, prosecutors, judiciary, and academics. The focus was on adopting a "multidoor" approach to tackle forestry crimes and illegal wildlife trade.

Dwi Januanto Nugroho, Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement, stated that the multidoor approach is crucial for uncovering criminal networks that extend beyond forestry violations. These networks can intersect with corruption, taxation, customs, and financial services. "We need to utilize the available legal instruments optimally, including those related to corruption, taxation, customs, and financial services. This approach expands the scope of law enforcement and increases our leverage in dismantling larger criminal networks," Dwi explained.

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The multidoor approach is becoming increasingly important. The various legal instruments available need to be utilized optimally, including those related to corruption, taxation, customs, and financial services. With this approach, we can expand the scope of law enforcement and increase our leverage in dismantling larger criminal networks.

He further emphasized that law enforcement should move from merely punishing perpetrators to cutting off the economic profits that sustain these crimes. "We need to place asset recovery, cutting off criminal profits, and forensic science support at the core of our strategy. Effective law enforcement is measured not only by the number of convicted perpetrators but also by the state's ability to build precise, science-based evidence and eliminate the economic motivation for these crimes," Dwi asserted.

As a megadiverse country, Indonesia faces significant threats from organized, cross-border illegal wildlife trade. This trade harms ecosystems and biodiversity, causes economic losses, and requires complex investigations involving multiple legal frameworks. The forum advocated for reorienting law enforcement from focusing on ground-level perpetrators to targeting broader networks and those who benefit economically.

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We need to place asset recovery, cutting off criminal profits, and forensic science support at the core of our strategy. Effective law enforcement is measured not only by the number of convicted perpetrators but also by the state's ability to build precise, science-based evidence and eliminate the economic motivation for these crimes.