Turtle rescue of 32 green sea turtles

Catch 3 jukung  ( Small Ship )  containing 32 Green Turtles

According to Admiral Yoos Suryono, the success of the Lanal Denpasar Navy patrol team in thwarting the capture and smuggling of 32 Green Turtles was an achievement. This green turtle is a very rare and protected animal and is a network of marine life ecosystems. This is because the green turtle eats seagrass, which is the spawning ground for fish. So without the role of this green turtle, fish will not spawn.

"So this turtle plays a very important role in the life of marine life," he explained.

The arrest of the jukung and its crew and evidence of green turtles began with information received from the public on Wednesday (29/12/2021) at 23.35 WITA. Then the Denpasar Lanal Intelligence and Operations Team followed up and made an arrest on Thursday (12/30/2021) at 04.30 WITA. It contains 32 turtles, one of which has been slaughtered for their food supplies and other fishing equipment.

The Denpasar Lanal Team arrested 3 jukung crewed by 21 crew members. The first jukung was commanded by Joni Pranata (32), the second jukung Suripto (50), and the third jukung Sudirman (48). Admiral Yoos Suryono said this case was still in the stage of further investigation and development. This crime was investigated directly by Lanal Bali assisted by mobile investigators from Lantamal V Surabaya.

“Activities that violate Article 21 paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 40 paragraph 2 of Law Number 5 of 1990 concerning the conservation of natural resources. With the threat of a minimum sentence of 5 years and a fine of Rp. 100 as well," he explained.

All sea turtles in Indonesia have been protected under Government Regulation (PP) Number 7 of 1999 concerning Preservation of Plant and Animal Species.

Based on Law Number 5 of 1990 concerning Conservation of Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems in Article 21 paragraph (2), it is stated that capturing, injuring, killing, storing, possessing, maintaining, transporting, and trading protected animals alive; or storing, possessing, maintaining, transporting, and trading protected animals in a dead condition can be punished with imprisonment for a maximum of 5 (five) years and a fine of a maximum of. 100,000,000.00. Rupiah

Immediately released because he was declared healthy

The head of the Bali Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA), R. Agus Budi Santoso, said that the 31 surviving turtles had been cleaned and X-rayed. Also checked by a veterinarian and placed in TCEC Serangan. The plan is for the Green Turtle to be released into the wild soon.

“The results of the examination from the veterinarian stated that it was ready for release. So we also ask that we will later release it from the legal investigation process if possible as soon as possible. Because tomorrow afternoon, we deserve to be released," he said.

Agus said he was surprised to see the number of catches which were Green Turtles. because since the last 5 years its existence has not been found in the Bali area. Even in the waters of Bali as much as 90% found is Olive ridley Turtles. So far, green turtles are predominantly found in the East Java region, namely in Alas Purwo and Baluran waters.

“The whole Green Turtle, and this is quite a surprise. This shows that the movement of the turtles has started, hopefully they will lay eggs again on the island of Bali,” he explained.

The evidence for the Green Turtle catch is estimated to vary in age, ranging from 7-8 years, to 20-3 years. Estimated age is also influenced by the amount of available feed, climate, and genetics.

"Today we are both proud and sad. Then our society does not understand that this animal is a protected species,” he said.

Currently TCEC is caring for 57 turtles

The head of the Turtle Conservation and Education Center (TCEC) Serangan, I Made Sukanta said that the failure to catch and smuggle the Green Turtle is enough to help the turtle conservation party in their efforts to conserve the turtle itself. He hopes that this turtle will be released soon, considering his condition when he was in captivity, all of which he observed were healthy

"Help conservation friends to look after the turtles whose plans might want to be traded and then thwarted," he said.

For information, until Friday (12/31/2021) TCEC Serang care for 57 turtles consisting of various species of turtles.