21 Rescued Green Sea Turtles Return to the Ocean at Bali’s Kura Kura Special Economic Zone
DENPASAR, Bali – Twenty-one endangered Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) rescued from an illegal wildlife trafficking operation have been released back into their natural habitat at the coastline of Serangan Island within the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (SEZ), marking another milestone in Bali’s marine conservation efforts.
The release, held on Tuesday (July 7), was the result of a collaborative initiative involving the Bali Water and Air Police Directorate (Ditpolairud Polda Bali), the Denpasar Marine Management Office under Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), the Turtle Conservation and Education Center (TCEC) Serangan, Marine Guard Foundation, WWF-Indonesia, and PT Bali Turtle Island Development (BTID), the master developer of Kura Kura Bali SEZ.
The turtles had previously been rescued by Bali Water Police officers from an attempted illegal trafficking operation in the coastal waters of Gerokgak, Buleleng Regency, with assistance from local fishermen and coastal communities.
Head of Law Enforcement at Bali Water Police, AKBP Nanang Pri Hasmoko, said authorities remain committed to cracking down on the illegal trade of protected marine wildlife.
"We continue to intensify prevention and enforcement efforts against green sea turtle smuggling. This coastal area is not only an important nesting ground but also a designated conservation zone that must be protected," Nanang said.
He explained that Serangan Beach within Kura Kura Bali SEZ was selected as the release site because of its secure environment and well-managed coastal protection system, reducing the risk of the turtles being recaptured by wildlife traffickers.
"The area provides strong security along the shoreline, making it a safe location for rehabilitated turtles to return to the wild," he added.
Meanwhile, Head of the Denpasar Marine Management Office, Getreda Melsina Hehanussa, said animal welfare was one of the primary considerations in choosing the release location.
"Transporting rescued turtles over long distances can negatively affect their health. This location allows us to minimize stress while ensuring they are returned safely to their natural environment," she explained.
Before returning to the ocean, all 21 turtles underwent nearly a month of rehabilitation at the Turtle Conservation and Education Center (TCEC) in Serangan after being handed over by police on June 11.
TCEC Chairman I Wayan Indra Lesmana said turtles rescued from illegal trafficking often suffer injuries caused by ropes tied around their flippers during capture and transportation.
"They require medical treatment, observation, and rehabilitation. Only after their wounds have healed, they are free from dehydration, and veterinarians confirm they are healthy can they be released back into the sea," Indra said.
Representing PT Bali Turtle Island Development (BTID), Zefri Alfaruqy emphasized that marine conservation forms an integral part of the company's long-term sustainability strategy within Kura Kura Bali SEZ.
"We are committed to preserving the coastal ecosystem so it remains a safe habitat for sea turtles. In addition to supporting turtle releases, we regularly organize hatchling release programs to help strengthen turtle populations in Bali," he said.
The successful release of the 21 green sea turtles highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration among law enforcement agencies, government institutions, conservation organizations, environmental groups, and private sector stakeholders in protecting one of Indonesia's most iconic endangered marine species.
Beyond serving as an integrated tourism and economic development area, Kura Kura Bali SEZ continues to position itself as a sanctuary for coastal biodiversity, supporting conservation initiatives that contribute to the long-term survival of sea turtles in Bali. | Team
