NEGARA – Authorities in Bali have thwarted an attempt to smuggle six green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Java to Bali, with one of the turtles tragically found butchered. The illegal wildlife trade attempt was uncovered in Gilimanuk, Jembrana, during a pre-dawn operation on Saturday (15/3).
Jembrana Police’s Water and Air Police Unit (Sat Polairud) intercepted the smuggling after receiving intelligence on Friday (14/3) about a planned turtle trafficking operation along the Gilimanuk coast. Acting on this tip-off, officers spotted a suspicious man transporting a wooden cart with a Yamaha Mio motorbike in Gang IV, Arum Timur, Gilimanuk, around 1:30 AM on Saturday.
However, as the officers approached, the suspect abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot, leaving behind three live turtles inside the cart. A further search along the coastline led to the discovery of two more turtles near Gilimanuk Bay, behind the Gilimanuk Prehistoric Human Museum, around 2:00 AM.
“The suspect fled the scene, but in his home, we discovered a dismembered turtle inside a refrigerator. Its head and four flippers were found separately, indicating that the animal had already been butchered,” said Jembrana Police Chief AKBP Endang Tri Purwanto.
Authorities are currently pursuing the fugitive suspect, whose identity has been confirmed. “We are actively investigating. No matter how well he hides, we are trained to find him,” AKBP Endang added.
The five surviving turtles, two males and three females, have been entrusted to the Kurma Asih Turtle Conservation Group in Perancak, Jembrana. According to Ahmad Yanuar from the Jembrana Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), the rescued turtles are estimated to be over 50 years old.
“Four of the turtles are in good health and ready for release. However, one requires medical attention due to severe dehydration and stress, suffering from a condition known as prolapse,” Yanuar explained.
Green sea turtles are a protected species under Indonesian law, and trafficking them is a serious offense. Authorities continue to warn against illegal wildlife trade, urging the public to report any suspicious activities.