inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Vice Minister of Forestry, Rohmat Marzuki, emphasized that wildlife crime must be viewed as a serious crime, and its handling must not stop at arresting perpetrators in the field, but rather must dismantle the entire network involved, from upstream to downstream.

He stated that wildlife crime has a far-reaching impact because it damages forest ecosystems, threatens species sustainability, and is often connected to criminal networks across regions and even countries.

"Wildlife crime should not be viewed as a simple violation. It is a serious crime that damages forest ecosystems, threatens species, weakens forest function, and is often linked to networks across regions and even countries," explained Rohmat on Wednesday (6/10/2026).

According to him, law enforcement must target the entire criminal chain, from financiers, collectors, transporters, sellers, buyers, and even wildlife trade activities through digital or cyberspace.

Rohmat also emphasized the importance of a collaborative, cross-sectoral approach. 

Handling wildlife crime, he said, cannot be done by one institution alone, but requires collaboration between the Ministry of Forestry, the police, the prosecutor's office, customs and excise, quarantine, local governments, border control officers, academics, researchers, civil society organizations, and communities surrounding forest areas.

"We need to build a system capable of preventing, detecting, prosecuting, and breaking the chain of wildlife crime from upstream to downstream," he stressed.

Rohmat also revealed that the government is proposing the addition of approximately 21,000 forestry police officers to strengthen supervision and law enforcement in the forestry sector.

According to him, this proposal aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's commitment to law enforcement, forestry, and conservation.

He further emphasized that wildlife is an indicator of the health of forest ecosystems. Therefore, efforts to save wildlife cannot be separated from protecting their habitats.

"If the habitat is safe, then animal populations will be protected and the forest will function well. Conversely, hunting, illegal trade, and wildlife smuggling will degrade forest function," said Rohmat.

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