Is Owning a Ferret Legal in Indonesia After the 2026 Framework Overhaul?

No, owning a ferret in Indonesia is prohibited under the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Regulation No. P.20/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/6/2018, classifying ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) as exotic invasive species. The regulation aligns with Indonesia’s 2026 biodiversity protection roadmap, which tightens controls on non-native fauna to prevent ecological disruption. Violations may result in fines up to IDR 100 million or imprisonment under Law No. 5/1990 on Conservation of Living Resources and Their Ecosystems.


Key Regulations for Owning a Ferret in Indonesia

  • Prohibited Species Status: Ferrets are explicitly listed in the Invasive Alien Species annex of MENLHK Regulation No. P.20/2018, banning their import, breeding, or possession without special permits—none of which are currently issued for ferrets.
  • Quarantine Enforcement: The Directorate General of Animal Health (DGLA) under the Ministry of Agriculture enforces strict quarantine protocols for all exotic pets, with ferrets automatically confiscated upon detection at ports of entry.
  • Penalty Framework: Unauthorized possession triggers administrative sanctions per Government Regulation No. 8/2014, including asset seizures and criminal liability under Article 40(1) of Law No. 5/1990, with penalties escalating for repeat offenses.