Not Just Tourism, 800 Tukik Has Been Released From Pariaman Turtle Conservation

Deputy Governor of West Sumatra Vasko Ruseimy with his wife and Mayor Pariaman, Yota Balad and his entourage released hatchlings or turtles into the sea in turtle conservation located at Apar Village Beach, Pariaman City. (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Efforts to preserve turtles continue to be a serious concern in various coastal areas of Indonesia. One of the concrete steps can be seen in Pariaman City, West Sumatra, where turtle conservation not only preserves this rare marine, but also educates the public to participate in protecting its existence in natural habitats.

Head of UPTD for Conservation and Supervision of Marine and Fishery Resources (DKP) West Sumatra, Wandi Afrizal, said that throughout 2025 there have been around 800 hatchlings or turtles that have been successfully released into the sea.

"We do the hatchlings release every year, but we don't set a target, for this year there are already 800 tails," said Wandi in Pariaman, as quoted by ANTARA.

He explained that the hatchlings were placed in a conservation center of turtle eggs obtained through the community. Eggs brought to conservation are then adopted, with the community receiving transportation costs of IDR 3,150 per item.

However, Wandi emphasized the importance of mutual awareness so that people do not take turtle eggs excessively in nature. Taking is only allowed if the nest is in a vulnerable location, for example in danger of being eaten by animals or taken for consumption.

"We want the public to realize that turtles must be left sustainable in their nature without any disturbances at all," he said.

Furthermore, he said that turtle conservation in Pariaman also functions as a means of public education about protected animals. That way, people are expected to stop capturing, trading, or even consuming turtles or eggs.

Although currently the release of hatchlings is also offered to tourists at a rate of IDR 5,000 per head, his party is preparing a more conservative release model to focus more on the conservation aspect.

Meanwhile, Deputy Governor of West Sumatra Vasko Ruseimy also reminded the public not to consume turtle eggs anymore, although there is a myth that mentions its health benefits.

"In fact, in terms of health, turtle eggs are not good for health, it is better for chicken eggs, ducks and other eggs," said Vasko while visiting the UPTD Penangkaran Turtle in Pariaman.

He emphasized that preserving turtles is far more important than believing in myths that are not scientifically proven.