KKP Thwarts Smuggling Of 1,950 Turtle Eggs Worth Rp29.2 Million To Malaysia

Director General of Marine and Fishery Resources Supervision (PSDKP) KKP Pung Nugroho Saksono or Ipunk (third from right). (Photo: Theresia Agatha/VOI)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) thwarted the smuggling of 4 cartons of turtle eggs or the equivalent of 1,950 pills.

The eggs are said to be smuggled into Malaysia.

The Director General of Marine and Fishery Resources Supervision (PSDKP) of the KKP Pung Nugroho Saksono or Ipunk said the smuggling was successfully thwarted on Tuesday night, June 17. Information related to the smuggling of turtle eggs was obtained from public reports.

"Well, then on June 17 or last night, I received a report from the Head of Pontianak Base that succeeded in thwarting the smuggling of 4 carton turtle eggs with a total of 1,950 pills," Ipunk said at a press conference at his office, Wednesday, June 18.

Ipunk explained that the thousands of turtle eggs came from Tambelan Island, Riau Islands (Kepri). He said the smuggled turtle eggs were found on a passenger ship. According to Ipunk, the item was left without the owner clear.

"Cableted using the KMP Bahtera Nusantara 03 sea toll boat at Sinte Harbor, Sambas, West Kalimantan. Usually they will sell to Malaysia," said Ipunk.

"So, this is smuggling. It may be sold there. Some are consumed or maybe deterrence. This is also what makes our habitat will eventually become extinct," he continued.

The value of the loss that was saved reached Rp. 29.2 million.

Meskipun nilainya kecil, Ipunk menilai, dampak yang dirasakan dari aktivitas ilegal tersebut cukup besar karena dapat mengancam kepunahan penyu. Mengingat, penyu termasuk hewan yang dilindungi.

"Nah, itu yang mereka ambil dan rutin. Kami mendapatkan laporan dari masyarakat, makanya kami sengaja lakukan operasi ini malam hari. Peredaran mereka ini banyak di wilayah Kalimantan Barat," jelas Ipunk.

"Dan ada sanksinya loh di sini. Artinya, sedang kami gali siapa pemiliknya. Kalau ketemu, ya, akan diminta pertanggungjawaban dalangnya," pungkas dia.

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Even though the value is small, Ipunk assesses that the impact felt from illegal activities is quite large because it can threaten the extinction of turtles. Remembering, turtles are protected animals.

"Well, that's what they take and routinely. We get reports from the public, that's why we deliberately carry out this operation at night. Their circulation is mostly in the West Kalimantan region," explained Ipunk.

"And there are sanctions here. That means, we are exploring who the owner is. If we find him, yes, the mastermind will be held accountable," he concluded.