DENPASAR, Bali – Police in Bali have foiled an illegal wildlife trafficking operation involving 21 protected green sea turtles, arresting a suspect believed to be part of a network supplying the endangered animals for resale.
The turtles were rescued during a raid on Pegametan Beach in northern Bali on June 10 after residents alerted authorities to suspected illegal trading activity in the area.
According to Bali Police, officers seized all 21 live turtles and arrested a 67-year-old man identified only by his initials, KS. Investigators allege he was storing the protected animals before they were distributed to buyers.
During questioning, the suspect told police the turtles had been transported from waters near Madura Island in East Java. He allegedly received the animals on the beach and was waiting for another individual to collect them for resale.
“We are continuing to investigate the case and pursuing other suspects involved in the network,” said Nanang Pri Hasmojo, head of law enforcement at Bali Police.
Authorities believe the case may be linked to a wider wildlife trafficking network operating across Indonesian waters.
KS has been charged under Indonesia’s wildlife protection laws. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison and substantial financial penalties.
Protected Species
All sea turtle species found in Indonesian waters have been protected by law since 1990. A 2018 regulation issued by Indonesia’s Environment Ministry strengthened protections for the country’s six sea turtle species and reinforced the ban on their trade.
Despite these legal protections, illegal hunting and trafficking remain significant threats to sea turtle populations.
Conservation groups have long warned that poaching for meat, eggs, traditional medicine, and ceremonial purposes continues to endanger sea turtle species worldwide.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), six of the world’s seven sea turtle species are classified as threatened or endangered.
A 2022 study published in Global Change Biology estimated that more than 1.1 million sea turtles were killed globally between 1990 and 2020, largely to meet demand for meat and other commercial uses. The study found that green turtles (Chelonia mydas) accounted for more than half of all recorded sea turtle killings during that period.
Bali’s History With Turtle Trafficking
Bali was once known as a major center for green turtle trafficking, partly due to the historical use of turtle meat in some religious and ceremonial practices. Conservation campaigns and stricter law enforcement have significantly reduced the trade over the past two decades, although authorities continue to uncover trafficking attempts.
The rescued turtles are expected to undergo health assessments before being returned to their natural habitat.
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