Indonesian Navy Fails To Smuggle Dozens Of Green Turtles In Bali

PHOTO: Indonesian Navy Public Relations

DENPASAR - A total of 32 green turtles to be smuggled were thwarted by personnel from the Denpasar Naval Base (Lanal), Koarmada II in Serangan Island Beach, Bali.

Turtle smuggling was thwarted by personnel at the Serangan Observer Post (Posmat) and the Denpasar Lanal intelligence team who were transported by three jukung to Serangan Beach, Thursday, December 30.

Commander Lantamal (Danlantamal) V First Admiral TNI Yoos Suryono Hadi appreciated Commander Lanal Denpasar and his staff for their success in thwarting the smuggling of green turtles or chelonia mydas in the waters of Bali.

"Green turtles play a very important role in the life of marine biota which maintains the survival of seagrass and seaweed," said First Admiral Hadi at Serangan Harbor Beach, South Denpasar, Bali, Friday, December 31.

Initially, the team received information from the community about the prevalence of turtle catching. Members of the Serangan Posmat and the intelligence unit then investigated and organized a marine security patrol (Kamla) looking for the perpetrators using a Posmat Serangan rubber boat.

PHOTO: Indonesian Navy Public Relations

The officer then informed that there were three jukung boats moving banyan to the Serangan Waters. The perpetrator was arrested. Indonesian Navy personnel secured three jukung with 21 crew members (ABK) along with 32 turtles to the pier of Serangan Island Beach, Denpasar.

"Evidence in the form of turtles has been secured, totaling 32 turtles with details of 31 live and 1 tail has been cut. To speed up the legal process for the suspects, Lantamal V will send the Legal Service to assist Lanal Denpasar in the investigation process," said Hadi.

The confiscated evidence consisted of three jukungs with three 15 PK engines, 32 large and medium green turtles or chelonia mydas.

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Also confiscated is a compressor engine, hose, flashlight for ango water, as well as fin shoes or frog shoes. Meanwhile, the perpetrators who were detained and questioned were the captain of the jukung named Jhoni Pranata (32) and Suritto (50) Sudirman (48).

"There is also an article that violates Article 21 paragraph 2 letter (a) in conjunction with Article 40 paragraph 2 of Law Number 5 of 1990 concerning Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems with a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a fine of Rp. 100 million," he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Bali Province BKSDA, Agus Budi Santosa, appreciated the thwarting of the dozens of smuggled turtles.

"Yesterday, the turtles were evacuated and cleaned of the sticks. The results of an examination from the veterinarian stated that the turtles were healthy and ready to be released," he said.