KKP Releases 21 Endangered Green Turtles Back into the Wild
The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has released 21 green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) rescued from a smuggling attempt at Serangan Beach, South Denpasar, Bali. The release marks the success of an integrated response covering rescue, rehabilitation and the return of the protected animals to their natural habitat, as part of efforts to preserve the marine ecosystem.
The turtles had previously been seized by authorities in the Sumberkima area of Buleleng Regency on Wednesday, 10 June 2026. All of the turtles were then evacuated to the Turtle Conservation and Education Center (TCEC) to undergo quarantine, observation and thorough health examinations by a team of veterinarians.
After being declared healthy and fit for release based on technical recommendations, all of the turtles were finally returned to their natural habitat on Tuesday, 7 July 2026. “This success is the result of synergy from upstream to downstream. KKP will continue to strengthen surveillance and collaboration to close the gaps in the illegal trade of protected aquatic biota,” said Director General of Marine Management Koswara in an official statement in Jakarta on Thursday, 9 July 2026.
The Head of the Denpasar Marine Management Centre, Getreda, explained that the entire handling process was carried out with conservation principles at the fore. Physical recovery was the top priority so that the released turtles would be able to resume their ecological role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem.
As biota that play an important role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem, green sea turtles are protected by various national regulations, including the Decree of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Number 66 of 2025 concerning Protected Fish Species. At the international level, the green sea turtle is also listed in Appendix I of CITES, which prohibits all forms of international trade for commercial purposes. Consequently, any capture, transport, trade or utilisation without a permit constitutes a legal violation.
This release aligns with the policy of Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, which places the protection of marine biodiversity as an important part of implementing the Blue Economy policy.