Turtle meat and religion

Turtle meat and religion

From Bali Post

Lately, sidewalk vendors of turtle meat satay have reappeared in Denpasar and in the northern part of Badung, Bali. These particular food stands had disappeared for almost three years. But now turtle delicacies are readily available on special occasions or events where large crowds are present.

In fact, turtles are known to be protected species under the law. And trade in turtle meat in Bali has long been an international issue. This trade has damaged the image of Bali's tourism. If I am not mistaken, in 2000 some 300 travel agents from Europe and America warned that they would boycott Bali if the Balinese continued to consume turtle meat for enjoyment.

According to some vendors, the turtles are supplied from Tanjung Benoa, north of Denpasar, which is notorious for its trade in turtles. It should be known that Tanjung Benoa has been highly dependent on tourism.

Prominent figures in Tanjung Benoa, however, invariably claim they only sell turtles for religious activities. God knows whether this is true. As far as I know, the use of turtle meat for religious rites is very limited; it is confined to the bigger and more significant religious functions only.

Whether the turtle issue will have a tangible effect on tourism in Bali remains to be seen.

I NYOMAN SUWECA, JULI HARTAWAN, Denpasar, Bali