KKP Rescues 1,286 Turtle Eggs in Sambas

The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has assisted in the rescue of 1,286 turtle eggs found in Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan. A total of 96 eggs were discovered by personnel from the Army Border Security Task Force Gabma Temajok during a patrol in the Temajuk area. Meanwhile, 1,190 eggs were secured by the Indonesian Quarantine Agency in Sintete, Sambas Regency. A rapid response team from the Pontianak Marine Management Office immediately collected materials and information, recorded data, evacuated the eggs, and conducted identification with a veterinarian to determine further handling. Director General of Marine Management at KKP, Koswara, stated that turtle protection requires collaboration from all parties. He noted that speed of response, inter-agency coordination, and adherence to procedures are key to ensuring that every finding is handled properly. ‘This also supports the sustainability of the marine ecosystem,’ he said in an official statement in Jakarta on Tuesday, 11 August 2026. Based on identification and examination by a veterinarian from Sealife, the 96 eggs secured from Temajuk were indicated to be from green turtles, were in good condition, and showed signs of fertility, so they were recommended for incubation and have now been incubated at the Pontianak Marine Management Office. Meanwhile, the 1,190 eggs secured from Sintete were indicated to be from hawksbill and green turtles, but the samples did not show signs of fertility and were therefore not recommended for incubation; they will be handled according to applicable mechanisms. Head of the Pontianak Marine Management Office, Syarif Iwan Taruna Alkadrie, said that all stages of handling were carried out with attention to conservation, technical, administrative, and law enforcement aspects. ‘Every discovery of turtles or their eggs must be handled carefully and accountably. Therefore, we continue to strengthen coordination with all relevant agencies so that the protection of protected fish species can run optimally,’ he said. Iwan also urged the public to play an active role in preserving turtles by not taking, trading, transporting, or illegally utilising turtles and their eggs. The public is encouraged to immediately report to officers or authorised agencies if they find turtles, turtle eggs, or activities suspected of violating fish species protection regulations. As a follow-up, the Pontianak Marine Management Office submitted the identification results along with supporting documents to PSDKP Pontianak for processing according to its authority. Meanwhile, the eggs not recommended for incubation will be handled according to the applicable legal mechanism.