Olive Ridley Turtle Found Stranded in Gianyar Irrigation Channel

An Olive Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) was found stranded in the irrigation channel of Subak Umadewa, Jalan Kurusetra, Banjar Gelgel, Keramas Village, Blahbatuh, Gianyar. The rare species was discovered alive.

“The turtle was found by a resident named I Wayan Eka at 6 a.m. local time,” said Blahbatuh Police Chief Kompol Luh Putu Sri Sumartini in a statement on Monday (15/6/2026).

Sumartini said the rare turtle was found stranded in the irrigation channel when Eka was about to bathe. Eka became increasingly suspicious because the habitat of turtles is not in irrigation channels.

The discovery was then reported to the Keramas Traditional Village Head and forwarded to the police. Officers subsequently visited the location where the turtle was found. The shelled animal was then evacuated while still alive.

“After checking and securing the turtle, the Olive Ridley turtle was evacuated to the Saba Asri Turtle Conservation Centre in Banjar Saba, Saba Village, to receive further care and treatment by conservation volunteers,” Sumartini explained.

Sumartini said the owner of the turtle is not yet known. Investigations revealed that no residents of Keramas Village keep turtles. Additionally, the sex of the turtle has not yet been determined.

The turtle is now being cared for and handled by the Gianyar Police’s Water and Air Unit (Satpolairud), the Bali Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA Bali), and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP). The animal has been secured in a conservation location appropriate to its habitat.

“We appreciate the public’s concern in promptly reporting the discovery of this turtle. The quick response is a form of the National Police’s commitment to preserving the environment and wildlife,” Sumartini stated.

For information, the Olive Ridley turtle is a rare species. It is protected and regulated under Law Number 5 of 1990 concerning Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems, as well as Government Regulation Number 7 of 1999 concerning the Preservation of Plant and Animal Species.