"DATA ANALYSIS OF THE ILLEGAL DISTRIBUTION OF PLANTS AND WILDLIFE IN MALUKU"

Copyright © ISRG Publishers. All rights Reserved. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17439616 357 ISRG Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (ISRGJAHSS) ISRG PUBLISHERS Abbreviated Key Title: ISRG J Arts Humanit Soc Sci ISSN: 2583-7672 (Online) Journal homepage: https://isrgpublishers.com/isrgjahss Volume– III Issue -V (September-October) 2025 Frequency: Bimonthly "DATA ANALYSIS OF THE ILLEGAL DISTRIBUTION OF PLANTS AND WILDLIFE IN MALUKU" Shalshadilla Somoel1*, Yosevita.Th Latupapua2, Andri Tuhumury3, Yulianti Syaras4, Arga Christyan5 1,3 Forestry study program, Forestry Department, Faculty of Agriculture. Unpatti. 2 Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Forestry, Study Program of Forest Management, Pattimura University 4 Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) Maluku; WCS-IP. 5 BKSDA Maluku | Received: 05.09.2025 | Accepted: 10.09.2025 | Published: 25.10.2025 *Corresponding author: Shalshadilla Somoel Forestry study program, Forestry Department, Faculty of Agriculture. Unpatti. Abstract This study aims to uncover trends in the illegal trade of plants and wildlife (FSW) in Maluku during the 2020–2024 period and identify influencing factors. Data were obtained from the Maluku Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and community questionnaires in Ambon City and Bula City. The research method used descriptive and qualitative statistical analysis to uncover patterns of illegal trade and their impacts on biodiversity. The results showed a significant increase in cases of illicit trade from 25 cases (2020) to 61 cases (2024), with the dominant mode being cross-regional transportation. Bird species, especially parrots such as the Moluccan Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) and the Moluccan Lory (Eos bornea), dominated the trade (74.65%), followed by reptiles such as the Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). Interesting findings include the trade in animal parts, such as deer antlers and turtle eggs, which indicates an evolving threat to biodiversity. The main driving factors include economic motivation, market demand, weak supervision, and low public awareness. Law enforcement constraints such as limited personnel and technology also exacerbate the problem. Mitigation efforts undertaken by the Maluku Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), including patrols and outreach, have had a positive impact, but need to be strengthened with a holistic approach based on technology and community empowerment. Keywords: Illegal trafficking, Plants and wildlife, Conservation, Maluku, Law enforcement. Copyright © ISRG Publishers. All rights Reserved. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17439616 358 INTRODUCTION The illegal trade in plants and wildlife has become a commercial activity that violates state laws. This trade has caused transnational problems lurking in the wild. In addition to being an organized crime at the local, national, and international levels, the illegal trade in plants and wildlife has become a large-scale crime because it offers promising profits with relatively low risks due to weak legal regulations and lenient sanctions. Many methods allow perpetrators of illegal plant and wildlife trade to easily obtain wildlife and plants (Guntur, 2019). Compared to other crimes, the circulation of wild plants and animals is relatively easy to cross between provinces and islands in Indonesia, even reaching national borders. Airports and seaports are strategic points for wildlife circulation routes where animals are generally smuggled by bus, car, tucked into personal belongings, or package services with false statements to bypass inspections. Smuggling between provinces at the border or between islands through small ports or docks often escapes the supervision of authorized officers. Officers at airports or ports are often less careful in checking passengers' luggage (Trinirmalaningrum, 2016) Illegal wildlife trade refers to the trade, possession, or movement of protected plant and animal specimens without proper permits, which can harm biodiversity. According to the Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation Number 15 of 2023, this trade includes the collection, transportation, and maintenance of specimens taken from their natural habitat or from captive breeding. Illegal wildlife trade is a violation of the law and has the potential to lead to the extinction of endangered species (Hanif, 2015). Several protected plants and wildlife are frequently targeted by illegal trafficking in Maluku. Birds, cuscuses, and various reptiles are examples of animals frequently traded illegally, while endangered plants include rare orchids and endemic plants. Over the past six years, the Maluku Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) has handled 143 cases of wildlife and plant trafficking, including 81 cases of guidance, 30 cases of legal proceedings, and 32 cases of investigation. These hundreds of cases were handled in collaboration with various stakeholders, such as the police, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Fire Department, and port officials. The use of wild plants and animals in Indonesia is crucial, both economically, socially, and culturally. With its abundant biodiversity, the country has significant potential for sustainable use of natural resources. However, challenges in management and protection remain. The illicit trade in protected plants and animals is a critical problem accelerating the extinction of many endemic species in Indonesia. The primary driving factors are high profit margins coupled with low levels of law enforcement, fueling the rise of this criminal practice. This illegal activity is systemic, involving extensive networks ranging from local hunters to transnational exporters. Furthermore, many cases of illegal wildlife trafficking have been implicated by officials and security forces. This criminal activity has evolved into a highly organized network, operating extensively and continually evolving its smuggling methods (Doly, 2009). According to (Indrawan 2022), high market demand for endangered species is the primary cause of the rampant illegal trade, as hunters continue to supply these animals to meet consumer demand. This phenomenon demonstrates two critical interconnected aspects: (1) persistent market demand, and (2) weak oversight systems, particularly in forested areas. Economic motives are the primary driver, with perpetrators viewing protected animals as high-value commodities. RESEARCH METHODS The study employs a time series analysis to examine trends in the illegal trade of wildlife and plants in Maluku, using statistical techniques to identify patterns in data collected over time. This method, as described by Wahyudi, aims to track the progression of illegal activities and visualize data using RStudio. Additionally, qualitative analysis is applied to assess factors influencing the illegal trade, utilizing simple spatial analysis to outline key aspects such as commonly traded species, conservation status, smuggling routes (land, sea, and air), transportation methods, and hotspots of illegal activity. The research also incorporates the Guttman Scale to measure public awareness of illegal wildlife trafficking, presenting binary responses (e.g., "yes/no" or "true/false") for clear-cut data interpretation. Positive responses are scored as 1 (100%), while negative responses are scored as 0 (0%), enabling straightforward percentage-based analysis of public knowledge and attitudes (Iskani, 2021). 𝑃 = 𝐹 𝑛× 100% P: Presentation F: Frequency n: Number of samples With the following percentage criteria (Arikunto, 2006): a. Categorized as good, if the answer is 76-100% b. Categorized as sufficient, if the answer is 75-60% c. Categorized as insufficient, if the answer is <60% RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Trends in Illegal Distribution of Plants and Wildlife in Maluku from 2020 to 2024 Based on data from the Maluku Natural Resources Conservation Agency (UPT BKSDA Maluku), 220 cases of illegal wildlife and plant trafficking were identified between 2020 and 2024. These cases included illegal possession, arrests of traffickers, and the translocation of wildlife from outside the agency’s jurisdiction. The high number of cases indicates that illegal biodiversity trade remains rampant in Maluku, a region known for its rich biodiversity in Indonesia. Illegal possession cases were often uncovered during community patrols, suggesting a lack of legal awareness or economic pressures driving locals to keep wildlife without permits. This highlights the need for public education and community empowerment programs to reduce dependence on illegal natural resources. Meanwhile, arrests at ports and on ships indicate organized smuggling operations exploiting official logistics routes. Additionally, the translocation of wildlife from outside Maluku confirms that the region serves as a destination or transit point for illegal trade, both domestically and potentially across borders. These findings underscore the urgency of strengthening enforcement, improving monitoring systems, and fostering community involvement to combat wildlife trafficking effectively. Years Ownership Cases Traffic Cases Translocation Total 2020 11 12 2 25 2021 3 15 12 30 Copyright © ISRG Publishers. All rights Reserved. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17439616 359 2022 12 22 19 53 2023 5 26 20 51 2024 6 40 15 61 Total 220 Source: Annual Report on the Monitoring of Illegal Distribution of TSL by BKSDA Maluku Chart 1. Number of Cases 2020-2024 Chart 2. Distribution of Number of Cases by Type Based on Charts 1 and 2, a significant increase in illegal wildlife trafficking cases can be seen from 2020 to 2024. In 2020, a total of 25 cases were recorded, dominated by possession (11 cases) and arrest (12 cases), while translocation accounted for only 2 cases. However, in 2021, this number increased to 30 cases, with a marked change in composition, with transportation predominating (15 cases), followed by translocation (12 cases), while possession dropped drastically to only 3 cases. The upward trend became even more pronounced in 2022, when the total number of cases jumped to 53, with transportation being the leading offense (22 cases), followed by translocation (19 cases), and possession (12 cases). Although there was a slight decrease in 2023 to 51 cases, the dominant pattern of transportation (26 cases), followed by translocation (20 cases), while possession cases dropped sharply (5 cases). The highest peak occurred in 2024 with 61 cases, with transportation reaching a record high (40 cases), far surpassing translocation (15 cases) and possession (6 cases). This data indicates a shift in the modus operandi of environmental criminals, from Copyright © ISRG Publishers. All rights Reserved. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17439616 360 simply illegal possession to cross-regional trade and distribution. The increase in transportation and translocation cases also indicates that illegal trade networks are becoming increasingly organized, requiring more intensive action by authorities. Chart 3. Total Species A comparison of Chart 1 and 2, which show the trend in illegal trafficking cases, and Chart 3, which displays the number of species recovered, reveals an interesting dynamic. Although environmental crime cases increased significantly from 2020 to 2024, the number of individual species recovered fluctuated, with a downward trend. In 2020, when 25 cases of illegal trafficking were recorded, 450 species were recovered. A sharp spike occurred in 2021, when cases rose to 30, while species recovered jumped to 1,036. This may indicate that law enforcement activities in that year succeeded in uncovering large-scale trafficking networks, resulting in more species seizures. However, this trend has not continued in subsequent years. Although cases continued to increase—to 53 in 2022, 51 in 2023, and 61 in 2024—the number of species sightings actually decreased drastically: 849 individuals (2022), 604 (2023), and 592 (2024). Chart 4. Seasonal Patterns of Illegal Wildlife Trafficking Copyright © ISRG Publishers. All rights Reserved. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17439616 361 Wildlife Traded Between 2020 and 2024 Findings of illegally traded wildlife in Maluku, based on annual report data are as follows: Local Name Scientific Name IUCN Status Amount Parrot Gracula religiosa LC 2 Papuan Parrot Mino dumontii LC 49 Buru Parrot Tanygnathus gramineus VU 2 Thick-billed Parrot Tanygnathus megalorynchos LC 2 Aru Monitor Lizard Varanus beccari LC 77 Blue-tailed Parrot Varanus doreanus LC 1 Black Monitor Lizard Varanus beccari DD 97 Moluccan Monitor Lizard Varanus indicus LC 17 Sula Blibong Streptocitta albertinae NT 1 Estuarine Crocodile Crocodylus porosus LC 2 King Bird-ofParadise Cicinnurus roratus LC 3 Rotan Magpierobin Pitohui uropygialis LC 6 Timor Magpierobin Philemon buceroides LC 2 Dugong Dugong dugon VU 1 Small Fish Eagle Icthyophaga humilis NT 2 Papuan Butcherbird Craticus cassicus VU 3 Buffalo Starling Acridotheres javanicus VU 1 Nias Starling Acridotheres tristis CR 1 Papuan Starling Pitohui dichrous CR 1 White Starling Acridotheres melanopterus CR 1 Papuan Hornbill Rhyticeros plicatus LC 5 Panana Lizard Tiliqua gigas LC 120 Yellow-crested Cockatoo Cacatua sulfurea CR 40 Mascot Cockatoo Cacatua galerita LC 187 Moluccan Cockatoo Cacatua moluccensis VU 223 White Cockatoo Cacatua alba EN 36 King Cockatoo Probosciger aterrimus NT 10 Tanimbar Cockatoo Cacatua goffini NT 50 Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus VU 5 Ground Kangaroo Thylogale brunii VU 6 Purple-naped Chattering Lory Lorius domicella EN 9 Ternate Chattering Lory Lorius garrulus VU 223 Cassowary Casuarius casuarius LC 1 Willow-billed Cassowary Casuarius casuarius LC 3 Black Macaque Macaca nigra EN 2 Canary Crab Birgus latro VU 80 Ambon Tortoise Cuora amboinensis EN 42 Land Tortoise Testudines CR 1 Aru Parrot Chalcopsitta scintilata LC 45 Bayan Parrot Eclectus roratus LC 129 Brown Parrot Chalcopsitta duivenbodel LC 3 Black Parrot Chalcopsitta atra LC 9 Purple-necked Parrot Eos squamata LC 65 Black-capped Parrot Lorius lory LC 123 Parrot Maluku Eos bornea LC 1000 Red-cheeked Lory Geoffroyus geoffroyi LC 12 Female Redcheeked Lory Psittinus cyanurus LC 1 Ambon King Lory Alisterus amboinensis LC 1 King Lory Aprosmictus jonquillaceus EN 1 Black-winged Lory Eos cyanogenia VU 1 Tanimbar Lory Eos reticulata NT 224 Blue-eared Lory Eos semilarvarta NT 8 Hawksbill Turtle Eretmochelys imbricata CR 258 Green Lory Ducula aenea NT 4 Yellow-green Lorikeet Trichoglossus flavoridis LC 7 Mauve Lorikeet psitteuteles goldie LC 2 Copyright © ISRG Publishers. All rights Reserved. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17439616 362 Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus LC 131 Timor Deer Cervus timorensis VU 2 Sailfish Hydrosaurus amboinensis VU 31 Halmahera Lorikeet Hydrosaurus weberi VU 13 Milk Sea Cucumber Holothuria nobilis VU 5 Gecko Gecko gecko LC 8 Ground Boa Candoia aspera LC 1 Ground Mono Snake Candoia paulsonii LC 4 Patola Snake Morelia amethistina NT 1 Brown Python Boiga irregularis LC 3 Green Python Morelia varidis LC 106 Reticulated Python Phyton reticulatus LC 3 Patola Python Tiliqua gigas evanescens LC 7 Jeweled Python Morelia amethistina LC 2 Flowering Wallaby Ptilinnopus melannospilus LC 7 Total 3.531 Chart 5. Total Species Found by Class The distribution of species involved in illegal trade during the 2020– 2024 period shows a highly unequal pattern across taxonomic classes. The class Aves (birds) dominates absolutely with 2,636 individuals (74.65% of total sightings), a figure 3.3 times greater than the second-largest class, Reptilia (794 individuals/22.49%). This dominance indicates very high hunting pressure on bird populations, likely driven by market demand for pets, collections, or other commercial purposes. Meanwhile, the classes Malacostraca (80 individuals/2.27%), Mammalia (16 individuals/0.45%), and Holothuroidea (5 individuals/0.14%) collectively account for only 2.86% of total sightings, indicating that illegal trade is more focused on specific vertebrates. Chart 6. Annual Findings Based on Family Copyright © ISRG Publishers. All rights Reserved. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17439616 363 Analysis of data on illegal wildlife trafficking from 2020 to 2024 identified five families as the most frequently affected: Psittacidae, Cheloniidae, Cacatuidae, Psittaculidae, and Varanidae, with trade patterns varying annually. In 2020, Cheloniidae dominated with 148 individuals, likely due to high demand for hawksbill turtles for their carapaces and meat. However, a significant shift occurred in 2021, when Psittacidae numbers jumped to 692 individuals, indicating a shift in market preferences or increased trade in parrots. Psittacidae's dominance continued in subsequent years, albeit with fluctuations in numbers: 491 individuals (2022), 177 individuals (2023), and 209 individuals (2024), possibly influenced by law enforcement, population scarcity, or changes in market demand. Meanwhile, Cacatuidae showed a fairly stable trend, increasing from 70 individuals (2020) to 139 individuals (2022 and 2023), before declining to 82 individuals in 2024. This decline could indicate the success of control efforts or a decline in the wild population due to overexploitation. Varanidae, as a representative reptile, showed a fluctuating pattern, with the highest peak in 2021 (87 individuals) and 2024 (52 individuals), but then dropped drastically to 16 individuals in 2022, indicating that the monitor lizard trade is dynamic and may be influenced by momentary demand or changes in smuggling strategies. Chart 7. Species Discovery Frequency Data analysis for the 2020-2024 period shows a significant trend in the illegal trafficking of 10 wildlife species in Maluku, dominated by the Psittacidae (parrots), Cheloniidae (hawksbill turtles), and Pythonidae (pythons). The Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), which is classified as Critically Endangered (CR), is the most concerning, with sightings of more than 100 individuals per year in 2020-2021, driven by demand for its scales for accessories and consumption. Pattern-billed birds, such as the Moluccan Lory (Eos bornea), which is classified as Low Risk (LC), actually saw the highest numbers (more than 600 individuals in 2021), indicating the exploitation of non-threatened species for the pet market. A similar phenomenon was seen for the Tanimbar Lory (Near Threatened) with more than 200 individuals (2021-2022), as well as vulnerable species such as the Moluccan Cockatoo and Chattering Lory, which continue to be hunted. Interesting findings indicate that illegal trade targets not only threatened species but also endangered species such as the Koki Cockatoo and the Green Python, likely due to aesthetic value and market demand. The highest fluctuation in sightings occurred in 2021-2022, possibly due to increased law enforcement or trade activity. The decrease in sightings in 2024 could be due to two factors: a decline in natural populations due to overexploitation or increased monitoring effectiveness. Weak monitoring systems and legal loopholes also contribute to the prevalence of this practice, despite the conservation status of various species being protected by national and international regulations. Copyright © ISRG Publishers. All rights Reserved. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17439616 364 Total of Body Parts Found Between 2020 and 2024 Analysis of wildlife body parts recorded in 2020 revealed 39 findings, including 11 pairs of Timor deer antlers, 22 Maluku scrub finch eggs, one stuffed turtle shell, and 5 kilograms of deer jerky. In 2022, 109 findings were made, consisting of 103 turtle eggs and three pairs of deer antlers. In 2023, three stuffed birds of paradise were found. In 2024, five pairs of deer antlers, 80 kilograms of deer meat, and 3,000 butterfly specimens were found. Analysis shows that the illegal trade in animal parts in Indonesia is dominated by: (1) 3,000 stuffed butterflies as a decorative commodity (Kurniawan & Samani, 2023); (2) 106 turtle eggs for consumption, which threaten population regeneration (Tarigan et al., 2020); and (3) deer products in the form of meat (80 kg), antlers (19 pairs), and jerky (5 kg) (Manik et al., 2020). Other findings include stuffed birds of paradise and eggs of the Maluku Gosong, as highvalue endemic species (ProFauna Indonesia, 2022), as well as turtle carapace, although in limited quantities (UNODC, 2024). These data reveal the complexity of the illegal trade that spans the entire value chain, demanding an integrated approach including law enforcement, critical habitat monitoring, and public education to reduce demand (Larasati, 2019). Number of Plants Discovered Between 2020 and 2024 Years Findings Plants Satuan Jumlah 2020 Gaharu (Aquilaria sp.) Kg 100 2021 - 2022 - 2023 Santigi (Phempis acidula) Buah 18 Gaharu Kemedangan (Aquilaria sp.) Kg 180 2024 - Source: Annual Report on the Monitoring of Illegal Distribution of TSL by BKSDA Maluku Illegal plant trafficking cases were significantly lower than wildlife trafficking cases, with only three cases identified during the study period. This finding aligns with previous research showing that 95% of illegal natural resource trafficking cases in Indonesia involve wildlife, while plants account for only 5%(Rizka Sahila et al., 2023). The first case involved the transportation of 100 kilograms of agarwood (Aquilaria sp.) in 2020. As a species with a conservation status of Vulnerable, the agarwood trade is strictly regulated under CITES Appendix II. However, illegal logging and illicit trade persist, as reported in a study by Septiningrum et al. (2015), which revealed high exploitation pressure on wild agarwood populations. In May 2023, two cases were identified simultaneously. The first involved the unauthorized distribution of 18 santigi (Phemphis acidula) plants. Although not a protected species, the lack of legal documentation makes this case an illegal trade. This phenomenon aligns with findings (Margono, 2022)regarding the rampant illegal trade in endemic ornamental plants, particularly from eastern Indonesia. A second case in the same month involved 180 kilograms of kemedangan agarwood from Papua. This high volume confirms a previous finding by (Semiadi et al., 2010) that Papua remains a hotspot for the illegal trade in high-value timber, with evolving modus operandi. Copyright © ISRG Publishers. All rights Reserved. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17439616 365 Factors Influencing the Illegal Trafficking of Plants and Wildlife in Maluku Figure 1. Illegal distribution routes for plants and wildlife in Maluku The data reveals a concentrated pattern of illegal wildlife and plant trafficking in eastern Indonesia, particularly in Maluku and Papua. Yos Sudarso Port in Ambon emerged as the primary hotspot with 55 cases, followed by Dobo (10 cases) and Pattimura Airport in Ambon (9 cases), indicating these transport hubs serve as critical nodes in trafficking networks. Other Maluku regions like Saumlaki (11 cases), Bula (15), and Ternate (7) further confirm this pattern. While smaller numbers were recorded in western Indonesia - including East Kalimantan (3), Sumatra (1 each in West, North, South), East Java (7), and Jakarta (5) - even remote areas reported cases, demonstrating the trade's extensive reach. Analysis of trafficking origins shows eastern Indonesia remains the dominant source, with Sorong and Bula (2 cases each) as key transit points, leveraging their strategic maritime access. Inland areas like Agats and Merauke suggest direct harvesting from natural habitats. Meanwhile, destination data highlights Ambon (25 cases) as the main distribution hub, with Makassar (5 cases) serving as a bridge to western Indonesia. Major cities like Jakarta (3) and Surabaya (1) appear as end markets, reflecting persistent demand. These findings underscore how trafficking networks exploit eastern Indonesia's rich biodiversity and transport infrastructure while adapting to enforcement efforts through decentralized routes. The patterns emphasize the need for enhanced surveillance at critical ports and airports, stronger inter-regional coordination, and targeted demand reduction in urban markets to effectively combat this illegal trade. The persistence of cases across both major hubs and remote locations suggests a complex, adaptable network requiring equally sophisticated countermeasures. Factors refer to conditions or events that influence the occurrence of something. In the case of illegal wildlife and plant trafficking in Maluku, these factors stem from both internal (individual motives) and external (demographic conditions and market demand) aspects. Based on interviews and community questionnaires, the factors driving illegal wildlife trade are diverse, as highlighted by key informants from the Maluku Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA): 1. Limited Enforcement Personnel The shortage of forest police (Polhut) is a major challenge in surveillance and patrol efforts. According to Polhut (June 2025), the current number of officers is insufficient to effectively monitor vast areas, including ports and docks. Additionally, the experience gap between senior and junior officers affects enforcement efficiency (Polhut, 2025). This aligns with (Madani et al., 2022), who found that limited human resources weaken forest law enforcement. 2. Evolving Smuggling Tactics Illegal traders employ various methods, such as hiding wildlife in luggage, speakers, or passenger vehicles (Senior Polhut, Yos Sudarso Port, 2025). The Head of Passo Resort Polhut (2025) noted that smugglers often exploit early or late ferry schedules to evade detection. These sophisticated tactics necessitate smarter, technology-based surveillance approaches (TRAFFIC, 2020). 3. Low Public Awareness Many locals still view protected wildlife as acceptable souvenirs, unaware of conservation laws (Senior Polhut, 2025). A forestry extension officer (Budi, 2025) added that communities lack knowledge of alternative livelihoods beyond wildlife hunting, corroborating Dwiastuti et al. (2019) on how poor conservation awareness fuels illegal trade. 4. Inadequate Detection Technology The absence of X-ray scanners at ports hampers inspections (Senior Polhut, 2025). Modern tools like scanners and wildlife databases could enhance enforcement (Santoso et al., 2023). 5. Bureaucratic Delays Field officers must await leadership approval before legal action, slowing responses (PEH Gries, 2025). Bongso & Ibrahim (2023)found that complex procedures are often exploited by offenders. 6. Community Engagement and Education