Bali Police Foil Smuggling of 22 Green Turtles off Serangan Island
Bali Water Police intercepted an unmanned boat carrying 22 live green turtles off Serangan Island, South Denpasar, foiling a suspected wildlife smuggling attempt. The suspect fled before officers arrived and remains under pursuit. While there is no direct safety impact on tourists or residents, the case highlights ongoing enforcement against illegal wildlife trade in Bali's coastal waters.
Bali Regional Police's Directorate of Water and Air Police (Ditpolairud) announced on Saturday that it had foiled a suspected smuggling operation involving 22 green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the waters off Serangan Island, South Denpasar.
According to police spokesperson Kombes Pol. Ariasandy, all the turtles were found alive aboard an unmanned boat off Serangan Beach. The operation followed public reports of suspected protected-species smuggling activity frequently occurring in the area.
Acting on the tip, a team from patrol boat RIB 107 together with law enforcement intelligence officers conducted surveillance at the location. During the patrol, officers noticed a blue boat that did not match the type typically used by local fishermen. Upon inspection, they found 22 green turtles aboard the unoccupied vessel. The boat and all turtles were seized as evidence and taken to Ditpolairud headquarters for further handling in coordination with Bali's Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA).
The suspect is believed to have fled upon noticing the arrival of officers and remains at large, with the case still under investigation. The suspect could be charged under Article 40(2) in conjunction with Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990 on the Conservation of Living Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to Rp100 million.
Police praised the public's role in providing information that led to the interception, emphasizing that green turtles are a legally protected species vital to Bali's marine ecosystem. Ditpolairud said it would continue intensive patrols to prevent similar smuggling attempts and urged coastal residents not to participate in the trade of protected animals and to report any suspicious activity.
The 22 rescued turtles are currently receiving care and will be released back into their natural habitat following a health check by BKSDA Bali.
Things to Consider
This incident does not directly affect tourist or resident safety, but anyone interested in marine conservation should avoid purchasing or trading products made from protected species such as turtle shells or meat. If you witness suspicious wildlife trading or poaching activity, report it to local police (110) or Bali's Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA). If you encounter an injured or stranded turtle on the beach, do not handle or move it yourselfâcontact the relevant conservation authority instead.
Source: ANTARA News Bali