Rescued from Illegal Trade, the Turtles Return to Their Natural Habitat
The release of green turtles took place at Serangan Beach, within the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. The 21 green turtles, or Chelonia mydas, had previously been rescued from an attempted smuggling operation and illegal wildlife trade.
Getreda Melsina Hehanussa, Head of the Denpasar Marine and Coastal Resources Management Office under the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries’ Directorate General of Marine Management, said that the coastal area was selected with animal welfare considerations in mind.
“This location was chosen primarily because it is relatively close. Transporting the turtles to a location much farther away could pose a risk to their health,” Getreda said on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
The turtles had previously been secured by the Bali Police’s Water and Air Police Directorate in the coastal area of Gerokgak, Buleleng.
Before the green turtle release and their return to their natural habitat, all 21 turtles underwent approximately one month of intensive rehabilitation at the Turtle Conservation and Education Center (TCEC) Serangan, beginning when they were handed over by the police on June 11.
I Wayan Indra Lesmana, Head of TCEC Serangan, explained that turtles confiscated from illegal trade generally require observation and medical treatment before they are ready to be returned to the wild.
According to him, turtles seized from illegal trade often suffer puncture wounds on their left and right flippers after being tied up by perpetrators during capture.
“We cared for them very carefully. Once their wounds had healed and the conservation veterinarian confirmed that they were healthy and no longer dehydrated, the turtles were ready to be released back into the wild,” Wayan Indra explained.
AKBP Nanang Pri Hasmoko, Head of Law Enforcement at the Bali Police’s Water and Air Police Directorate, emphasized that firm enforcement efforts would continue to break the chain of illegal turtle trade.
“The Bali Police remain highly committed to preventing and taking action against turtle smuggling, particularly involving green turtles, which are highly sought after. Through this collaboration, we can regularly monitor coastal conditions because this area serves as a turtle nesting site and conservation zone,” AKBP Nanang said.
He also highlighted the reasons for selecting the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone as the release location, noting that the area has a highly supportive ecosystem.
“Why did we choose the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone and Serangan Beach? This area is protected from irresponsible parties who may attempt to recapture the turtles, as the coastline is well secured,” he explained.
Juli 9, 2026.
Source: Kompas.com
