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

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has released 21 green turtles (Chelonia mydas) rescued from a smuggling attempt in Bali after they underwent rehabilitation and were declared fit to return to their natural habitat. Director General of Marine Management at the KKP, Koswara, stated that the release is part of an integrated process encompassing rescue, rehabilitation, and the return of protected species to their habitat as an effort to preserve the marine ecosystem. “The KKP will continue to strengthen surveillance and collaboration to close loopholes in the illegal trade of protected aquatic biota,” Koswara said in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday. The 21 turtles were previously secured by the Water and Air Police Directorate (Ditpolairud) of the Bali Regional Police during the uncovering of an alleged wildlife smuggling case on the coast of Pegametan Beach, Sumberkima Village, Buleleng Regency, on 10 June 2026. Based on the investigation, the police also named two other individuals on the wanted list (DPO) who are suspected of acting as a supplier from Madura and a receiver intending 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 checks by a veterinary team. Following a clean bill of health based on technical recommendations, all 21 turtles were released at Serangan Beach, South Denpasar, Bali, on Tuesday (7/7).