21 Green Turtles from Smuggling Case Released Back into the Wild in Bali

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has released 21 green turtles (Chelonia mydas) rescued from a smuggling attempt in Bali back into the wild, after they underwent rehabilitation and were declared fit to return to their natural habitat.

Director General of Marine Management at the KKP, Koswara, said the release forms part of an integrated handling process covering rescue, rehabilitation, and the return of protected wildlife to its natural habitat, as an effort to preserve the marine ecosystem.

“The KKP will continue to strengthen surveillance and collaboration to close gaps in the illegal trade of protected aquatic biota,” said Koswara in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday.

The 21 turtles had previously been secured by the Marine and Air Police Directorate (Ditpolairud) of Bali Regional Police during the uncovering of an alleged protected wildlife smuggling case on the coast of Pegametan Beach, Sumberkima Village, Buleleng Regency, on 10 June 2026.

Based on the results of the investigation, police also named two other individuals as wanted persons (DPO), who are suspected of acting as a supplier from Madura and a receiver who intended to resell the turtles.

After being secured, all the turtles were evacuated to the Turtle Conservation and Education Center (TCEC) to undergo quarantine, observation, and health examinations by a team of veterinarians.

Once declared healthy based on technical recommendations, all the turtles were released at Serangan Beach, South Denpasar, Bali, on Tuesday (7/7).