Breaking News: Historic Case Marks First Prosecution for Macaque Trade in Bali

Bali, October 8, 2025 - In a landmark moment for wildlife protection in Indonesia, a trader of long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) has been convicted of illegal wildlife trade, marking the first prosecution of its kind under Bali Provincial Regulation No. 5 of 2023 on the Implementation of Public Order, Peace, and Community Protection.

The case was initiated after a foreign tourist discovered a critically ill baby macaque at Denpasar’s Satria Bird Market. Following the report, the Jaringan Satwa Indonesia (JAAN Indonesia) and Sintesia Animalia Indonesia filed a legal complaint with the Bali Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and the Denpasar Public Order Police (Satpol PP).

The suspect, identified as S (59) from Jember, was later sentenced by the Denpasar District Court to a fine of Rp 500,000 or seven days in prison. The rescued infant macaque is now under the care of the Umah Lumba Rehabilitation Center, managed by JAAN Indonesia.

Years of Persistence Pay Off

“This is the result of years of struggle,” said Femke den Haas, Chair and Founder of the Jakarta Animal Aid Network/ Jaringan Satwa Indonesia. “Many monkeys are taken from outside Bali, such as Sumatra, to be sold to tourists. Ironically, compassion from visitors often fuels the trade. We’ve worked with BKSDA Bali and Satpol PP to install signs and conduct outreach, but when the trader continued despite repeated warnings, we decided to take legal action.”

Long-tailed macaques (LTM) are being sold at a market. (Source: Jakarta Animal Aid Network)

I Wayan Anggara Bawa, from Satpol PP’s Investigation and Criminal Unit, noted that the case falls under animal cruelty violations, in line with Article 28 (1) of the regulation, which prohibits acts of torture against animals. Veterinarian drh. Farida Ulya, who testified in court, described the severe suffering macaques endure in this trade, including an infant who arrived at the rehabilitation center “near death” after being sold in the market.

Setting a Legal Precedent

Under Article 42 of Bali Provincial Regulation No. 5 of 2023, perpetrators of wildlife trafficking can face up to three months’ imprisonment and/or a fine of IDR 50 million. While the sentence in this case was minimal, its significance lies in the recognition and enforcement of the fact that macaque trafficking constitutes not only a wildlife crime but also animal cruelty under public order law.

Why It Matters

The long-tailed macaque, once widespread across Indonesia, is now listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List (2025). Illegal capture, the pet trade, and online exploitation have accelerated population decline. In Bali, the sale of macaques to tourists or for entertainment continues to undermine conservation and animal welfare efforts.

A Regional Turning Point

The Macaque Coalition (MACC), under the Asia for Animals Coalition, recognizes this case as a critical step toward strengthening legal protection for macaques in Southeast Asia.

“We congratulate all parties involved, including the government and law enforcement, for taking this step,” said Amanda Faradifa, Coordinator of the Social Media Animal Cruelty Coalition (SMACC) and Macaque Coalition (MACC).

It shows that protection is possible when compassion meets enforcement. What’s powerful about this case is not only the conviction, but the message it sends: that the suffering of macaques in trade is finally being recognized as a public concern, not something to look away from.

MACC continues to work with organizations and experts across Asia to address the exploitation of macaques in trade, tourism, and online cruelty content. This milestone in Bali demonstrates that collaboration and persistence can transform long-standing advocacy into real legal progress.