Is Owning a Kangaroo Legal in Indonesia After the 2026 Law Changes?

Yes, owning a kangaroo in Indonesia is permitted only under strict regulatory oversight, with ownership confined to licensed zoological institutions or government-approved facilities.

Kangaroos are classified as protected wildlife under Indonesia’s Law No. 7 of 1999 on Preservation of Living Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems, requiring permits from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MoEF). The 2026 draft amendments to the Wildlife Protection Regulation further tighten controls, mandating microchipping and GPS tracking for all exotic animal holdings. Private ownership remains effectively prohibited unless the individual or entity holds a CITES Appendix II permit, typically reserved for conservation programs.


Key Regulations for Owning a Kangaroo in Indonesia

  • Protected Species Status: Kangaroos (Macropus spp.) are listed under MoEF Regulation P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018, prohibiting private possession without a conservation exemption. Violations incur fines up to IDR 10 billion (≈USD 650,000) or imprisonment for 5 years.

  • Permit Requirements: Applicants must secure a Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Permit from the MoEF’s Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE), demonstrating facilities compliant with CITES standards. The 2026 revisions introduce mandatory third-party veterinary audits.

  • Facility Standards: Zoos or research centers must adhere to Government Regulation No. 9 of 2021 on Animal Welfare, including enclosure specifications (minimum 500 m² per adult kangaroo) and 24/7 veterinary supervision. Non-compliance triggers immediate permit revocation.