CONTRIBUTION OF CITES APPENDIX II SNAKE EXPORTS TO INDONESIA'S NON-TAX REVENUE

Abstract

The trade of snakes listed in CITES Appendix II plays a pivotal role in conservation and contributes to Indonesia's economy through non-tax state revenue. This study examines the volume and trends of Appendix II snake exports from 2020 to 2024, their contribution to non-tax state revenue, and how wildlife trade is monitored as part of conservation efforts. This study uses a mixed-methods approach, merging quantitative analysis of secondary data from the CITES trade database with qualitative interviews conducted at the Ministry of Forestry. Specifically, in-depth interviews were held with two key informants, both serving as Forest Ecosystem Management Officers (Pengendali Ekosistem Hutan/PEH) at the Directorate of Species and Genetic Conservation. The results indicate that the snake skin category has the largest total volume, amounting to 1,378,878 pieces, and generates the highest non-tax state revenue, reaching IDR 2,794,006,380.00. Meanwhile, live snakes, leather products, meat, gallbladders, and garments show declining export trends. Conversely, the export trend for skin pieces is increasing. Rather than a broad shift toward fully processed downstream products, this trend indicates a specific shift toward intermediate commodities, as the export of finished leather products has concurrently declined. Currently, trade management is conducted through a quota system and physical verification to ensure legality. This shift and the development of captive breeding demonstrate adaptation to conservation, sustainability, and international market preferences.