Legal Protection Of Endangered Flora And Fauna From Extinction In Indonesia’s Biodiversity Conservation Law

Abstract

Indonesia is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, yet many of its plants and animals face a real risk of extinction from habitat loss, poaching and illegal trade. This article examines how Indonesian law protects endangered flora and fauna from extinction. It asks how the legal framework is structured, how protected species and prohibited acts are regulated and enforced, and what gaps still limit effective protection. Using normative juridical research with statute and conceptual approaches, and drawing on legislation, scholarly writing and official data as secondary materials, the article finds that protection rests on Law No. 5 of 1990 as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, supported by the constitutional right to a good and healthy environment, ratified international agreements and a ministerial list of protected species. The 2024 amendment strengthens the framework through heavier criminal penalties, additional sanctions for restoration and rehabilitation, funding provisions, recognition of communityroles and rules on genetic resources. Three weaknesses remain: legal uncertainty caused by frequent changes to the protected species list, fragmented authority among institutions, and the limited recognition of indigenous and local communities as subjects of conservation. Wildlife crime is also shifting to online platforms and transnational networks, which tests enforcement capacity. The article recommends a science-based and transparent procedure for listing species, transitional provisions for changes in status, better coordination among ministries and enforcement bodies, and participatory conservation arrangements that involvelocal and indigenous communities.