Released on: September 16, 2008, 10:32 pm

Press Release Author: ProFauna Indonesia

Industry: Environment

Press Release Summary: Two days after the fifth IOSEA meeting in Bali, Indonesia,
from 20 to 23 August 2008, the Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA) of the
Indonesian Forestry Department confiscated hundreds of sea turtles from hotels and
restaurants that have kept the marine animals illegally (8/25/08).

Press Release Body: Two days after the fifth meeting of the Signatory States to the
Memorandum of Understanding on the Management of Marine Turtles and Their Habitats
of the Indian Ocean and South-East Asia (IOSEA) in Bali, Indonesia, from 20 to 23
August 2008, the Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA) of the Indonesian
Forestry Department confiscated hundreds of sea turtles from hotels and restaurants
that have kept the marine animals illegally (8/25/08). The center’s law enforcement
was conducted after receiving a report by ProFauna Indonesia, an active and dynamic
wildlife protection organization in Indonesia, established since 1994. The report,
entitled "Sea Turtle Exploitation in the Name of Conservation", uncovered a number
of sea turtles being exploited by some tourism places in Bali.

The government conservation center responded positively on ProFauna’s report. The
officers raided Bumbu Bali restaurant and Reef Seen hotel right away. At the
restaurant, the officers seized 148 hatchlings of Olive ridley turtle (Lephidochelys
olivacea) and 158 of egg. On the 28 November 2007, the forestry department team
confiscated 436 eggs and six olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) hatchlings at the
same restaurant. Despite the confiscation, the restaurant still kept sea turtles and
the eggs illegally. At Reef Seen hotel, the officers confiscated a hawksbill
(Eretmochelys imbrucata).

The illegal ownership and trade of protected species, including sea turtle violate
the the Indonesian legislation of the 1990 (a wildlife law concerning Natural
Resources and the Ecosystems Conservations). Accordingly, the perpetrators are
liable to a maximum five-year prison term and a maximum 100 million Rupiah fine.

From the data collected by ProFauna about some tourism places in Bali that keep sea
turtles illegally, the marine animals are used as an entertainment. They are
exploited in the name of conservation. I Wayan Wiradnyana, ProFauna’s sea turtle
campaign coordinator stated, “ProFauna demands that the Forestry Department and the
Police make an example of the perpetrators and prosecute them to the full extent of
the law. It is obvious that the ownership of sea turtles and their parts must be
licensed by the Forestry Minister.”

For further information please contact Butet A Sitohang, International Communication
Officer, mobile: +6281333899741 or email: international@profauna.org



ProFauna Indonesia is an active and dynamic wildlife protection organization
established in 1994. With the support of its members all over the country, ProFauna
saves wildlife through campaign, education, investigation, and animal rescue.



Web Site: http://www.profauna.org

Contact Details: Butet A. Sitohang
Jl Raya Candi II/ 179 Malang - East Java 65146 Indonesia
email: international@profauna.org
mobile: +6281333899741
phone: +62 341 570033
fax: +62 341 569506