Woman Running for Election in Indonesia Pushes for Stronger Animal Protection Laws

As Indonesia gears up for its general elections on February 14, the plight of animals has emerged as a critical concern among campaigners and candidates. With a fifth of animal cruelty videos seen on social media platforms coming from the country, it’s no wonder the topic is on everyone’s minds. One candidate Francine Widjojo, is vying for a parliamentary seat with a mission to address the pressing issue of animal welfare. Backed by her rescue cat, Yakult, Widjojo advocates for stronger laws to protect animals across Indonesia.

Source: Reuters/YouTube

“It’s quite sad that Indonesia is ranked the top country with animal abuse and cruelty content. This is not a good achievement; we must fight this together starting with education and raising awareness among us,” says Widjojo, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to combat the issue.

Karin Franken, the founder of Jakarta Animal Aid Network, revealed the allure of attention that drives individuals to perpetrate acts of cruelty against animals online. She points out that the absence of repercussions encourages such behavior, necessitating the implementation of comprehensive national laws to safeguard both wildlife and domestic animals.

“We hardly have anything for domestic animals now; people basically can do what they want,” Franken remarks, highlighting the urgency of legislative measures to curb animal cruelty.

In her electoral campaign, Widjojo pledges to implement initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of stray animals, including feeding programs, sterilization, and vaccination against diseases like rabies. Such measures not only address the immediate needs of animals but also contribute to building a more compassionate country.

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