KKP Releases 21 Green Turtles on Bali Beach after Interception of Smuggling English: KKP Releases 21 Green Turtles on Bali Beach after Interception of Smuggling

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has released 21 green turtles (Chelonia mydas) rescued from smuggling attempts on Serangan Beach, South Denpasar, Bali.

The release is part of the government's efforts to return protected animals to their natural habitat to maintain the sustainability of the marine ecosystem.

The turtles were previously secured by the authorities on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 in the Sumberkima area, Buleleng Regency. Furthermore, all the turtles were evacuated to the Turtle Conservation and Education Center (TCEC) to undergo quarantine, observation, and a thorough health examination by a team of veterinarians.

After being declared healthy and fit to be released based on technical recommendations, all the turtles were finally returned to their natural habitat on Tuesday, July 7.

"This success is the result of synergy from upstream to downstream. KKP will continue to strengthen supervision and collaboration to close the gap in illegal trade in protected aquatic biota," said KKP Marine Management Director General Koswara in an official statement in Jakarta, Thursday, July 9.

The Head of the Denpasar Marine Management Office, Getreda, added that the entire handling process was carried out by prioritizing the principle of conservation.

Recovery of physical condition is the main priority so that the turtles released are able to return to carrying out their ecological functions in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem.

As a biota that plays a role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem, green turtles are protected by various national regulations, including the Decree of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (Kepmen KP) Number 66 of 2025 concerning Protected Fish Species.

At the international level, green turtles are also listed in Appendix I of CITES which prohibits all forms of international trade for commercial purposes.

"Therefore, any arrest, transportation, trade, and use without a permit is a violation of the law," said Getreda.

The release step is in line with the policy of the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono regarding the protection of marine biodiversity as an important part of the implementation of the Blue Economy policy.