The trade in wild-caught parrots is robust in Indonesia. The World Parrot Trust has undertaken several initiatives in this region to help stop the exploitation of parrots. During a coalition-building trip to Asia in December of 2008, WPT Director Dr Jamie Gilardi hosted a key meeting with parrot and trade experts from Bali, Jakarta and ProFauna on the issue of parrots in trade in Indonesia.

Discussions highlighted Papua New Guinea as the primary source of birds being traded throughout the rest of Indonesia. Therefore, the initial focus was on developing and funding ProFauna’s efforts to draw attention to that trade, stop importations and prosecute violators trapping and trading protected species. Among many positive milestones so far was a campaign demonstration to urge the government to stop parrot smuggling. We also establish (or support) facilities to receive, rehabilitate, and release confiscated birds back into the wild.

In 2017, the WPT and in-country partner Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Centre laid the groundwork for further collaboration by hosting meetings involving local and regional governments, law enforcement and wildlife officers, while participating in high-profile confiscations of cockatoos, lories and other parrots. Since then, many more seizures have occurred with species such as Red-and-blue Lorikeets, Salmon-crested, Sulphur-crested and White-crested Cockatoos, and Purple-naped, Black-capped and Chattering Lories. These birds have been rehabilitated at Tasikoki centre and many have been repatriated to their home ranges.