Indonesia releases 21 rescued green sea turtles into Bali waters

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has released 21 green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) back into the waters off Bali after they were successfully rehabilitated following their rescue from an attempted wildlife smuggling operation.

KKP Director General of Marine Spatial Management Koswara said the release reflects the government's integrated conservation approach, which includes the rescue, rehabilitation, and return of protected marine species to their natural habitat.

"The ministry will continue to strengthen surveillance and collaboration to close loopholes exploited in the illegal trade of protected marine species," Koswara said in a statement received in Jakarta on Thursday.

The turtles were rescued after the Bali Regional Police's Directorate of Water and Air Police foiled an attempted smuggling operation on the coast of Pegametan Beach in Sumberkima Village, Buleleng District, on June 10, 2026.

During the operation, officers arrested a 67-year-old suspect identified by the initials KS, who allegedly served as a caretaker by storing the turtles before they were trafficked.

Police also named two additional suspects who remain at large. Investigators believe one acted as the supplier from Madura, while the other was intended to receive and resell the turtles.

Following the rescue, the turtles were transferred to the Turtle Conservation and Education Center (TCEC), where they underwent quarantine, veterinary examinations, and rehabilitation.

After being declared healthy, all 21 turtles were released into the sea at Serangan Beach in South Denpasar, Bali, on Tuesday (July 7, 2026).

Head of the Denpasar Marine Management Bureau Getreda said the rehabilitation and release were conducted in accordance with established conservation principles.

He explained that restoring the turtles' physical condition was essential to ensure they could return to their natural ecological role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.

The green sea turtle is protected under the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Decree No. 66 of 2025 on Protected Fish Species.

Internationally, the species is listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which prohibits international commercial trade.

As a result, the unauthorized capture, transport, or trade of green sea turtles violates both Indonesian law and international conservation regulations.

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Translator: Bayu Prasetyo

Editor: M Razi Rahman

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