DENPASAR – The people of Serangan, together with PT Bali Turtle Island Development (BTID), the developer of the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (SEZ), began the Tumpek Kandang prayer ceremony on the shoreline, Saturday (July 12).

Guard dogs, birds nesting in the trees, and wild animals inhabiting the island’s corners were included in the prayers. Flowers were scattered, incense smoke rose, and holy water was sprinkled as a symbol of gratitude for the role of animals in maintaining the harmony of nature.

On the warm stretch of white sand, hundreds of baby turtles made their first marks with tiny flippers, taking their initial steps toward conquering the vast ocean. Their journey carried a simple message: humans, animals, and the universe are bound together in an inseparable cycle.

The release of the turtles was part of the annual Tumpek Kandang celebration, one of Bali’s traditional holy days to honor all living beings, especially animals.

Ni Kadek Noni Purnama Dewi, a youth member of Sekaa Teruna Teruni Satya Hredaya Banjar Dukuh Serangan, stood watching the hatchlings crawl slowly toward the sea.

“I’m so happy to celebrate Tumpek Kandang with my friends here. After the prayers, we continued by releasing turtles into the ocean. I released six turtles because six is my favorite number. Hopefully, they will return one day—bigger and stronger,” said Noni Purnama Dewi.

Tumpek Kandang is not merely a routine ritual but a reminder that humans are not the most powerful beings above all creatures.

“In Hindu scriptures, Tumpek Kandang is part of preserving Palemahan, the principle of living in harmony with nature and animals,” explained traditional priest I Made Sandya, who led the ceremony.

“This cycle of life is interconnected. If we take care of nature, nature will take care of us,” he added.

Officials from the Bali Provincial Government also took part in releasing hundreds of turtles after carrying out the Tumpek Kandang ceremony at Sakenan Temple.

This commitment is more than symbolic.

BTID has long supported the turtle conservation activities carried out by the Turtle Conservation and Education Center (TCEC) in Serangan. Since 2022, more than 11,000 baby turtles have been successfully released into the Indian Ocean.

Throughout 2024, TCEC recorded around 95 turtle nests along Serangan’s coastline, an increase of 15 from the previous year. That same year, over 7,600 turtle eggs were protected, with about 4,000 hatchlings released back into their natural habitat.

TCEC also developed an ecotourism education program. In 2024, more than 38,000 visitors—including students, tourists, and volunteers—learned firsthand how to care for nests, hatch turtles, and understand the crucial role of local communities in maintaining coastal ecosystems.

This effort not only saves marine wildlife but also supports the economy of Serangan residents through homestays, souvenirs, and culinary businesses.

BTID also reinforced concrete actions beyond ceremonial activities. Together with the Denpasar City Agriculture Office, Livestock and Animal Health Division, they conducted rabies vaccinations for dogs within the Kura Kura Bali SEZ. This simple step helps ensure animal health and ecosystem safety for all beings.

BTID Head of Communications, Zakki Hakim, said today’s turtle release serves as a reminder that every step forward must align with nature.

“Tumpek Kandang reflects how Serangan, nature, and humans take care of one another,” said Zakki Hakim.

According to him, in Kura Kura Bali SEZ, this principle is the foundation of a space where humans, animals, and the earth coexist in mutual care.

The same spirit lives on in Serangan’s younger generation. For them, the beach is not just a tourist destination but a home for turtles that must remain preserved.

“If these hatchlings can return one day, it means we’ve truly taken care of their home,” said Noni Purnama Dewi.

Amid efforts to establish Kura Kura Bali as a destination for quality tourism and creative industries, moments like Tumpek Kandang are a reminder that no matter the scale of development, love for nature must never remain just a slogan.

In this place, harmony is continuously renewed—not only celebrated but nurtured together.

Kura Kura Bali is a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for Quality Tourism and Creative Industries, designated by the Indonesian Government in April 2023. The area is managed by PT Bali Turtle Island Development (BTID) as the master developer, blending marina lifestyle, knowledge-based communities, and the Tri Hita Karana philosophy of harmony.

Source : 

https://www.msn.com/id-id/berita/nasional/momen-tumpek-kandang-di-pantai-serangan-menjaga-harmoni-alam-lepas-ratusan-tukik/ar-AA1IsZZ1