Dozens Of Smuggled Turtles In Jembrana Released Into The Sea

ANTARA/Gembong Ismadi

A total of 16 of the 18 smuggled green turtles that were about to be sent to Denpasar but were successfully thwarted by the Melaya Police, Jembrana Regency, Bali, were released into the sea.

"These released players are in good health, some of whom are even ready to lay eggs. The rest are still under observation, but will also be released soon," said Jembrana Police Chief AKBP Endang Tri Purwanto as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, April 1.

He said that in addition to securing dozens of turtles transported by pick-up car, the Melaya Police also arrested one perpetrator with the initials IPT alias Ben on Jalan Desa Melaya, Melaya District Thursday (28/3) evening.

He revealed earlier that the Melaya Police had received reports from the public that there were smuggling turtles at Klatakan Beach, Melaya District, so that the Commissioner I Komang Mulyadi Police Chief ordered his men to pursue him until the perpetrator was caught.

"To save the turtles, as soon as they were secured, we immediately took them to Kurma Asih, which has captive facilities for these animals," he said.

From the examination of the perpetrators, he said, the turtles obtained from the fishermen were planned to be brought to Denpasar.

Regarding the smuggling of turtles which was revealed several times in the jurisdiction of the Jembrana Police, together with the Jembrana Regency Government, BKSDA and animal and environmental conservation activists appealed to the public to stop consuming these protected animals.

"In addition to being threatened with extinction so that it is protected, sea turtles have a big role in maintaining the ecosystem. We urge you to stop consuming turtle meat," he said.

The perpetrator was charged with Article 40 paragraph (2) Junto Article 21 paragraph (2) letter a of Law Number 5 of 1990 concerning Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems with a penalty of five years in prison.

The Regent of Jembrana Nengah Tamba said that his party supports legal action against turtle smuggling perpetrators and calls on the public to play an active role in preserving these animals.

"Don't be afraid to report to the authorities if you see a turtle smuggling. Let's work together to keep this animal from becoming extinct," he said.