TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) intercepted the smuggling of 1,950 sea turtle eggs suspected to be destined for Malaysia. Ministry officials found the eggs in four unclaimed cartons aboard the passenger ship KMP Bahtera Nusantara 03 at Sintete Port, Sambas, West Kalimantan.
The Director-General of Marine and Fisheries Resources Surveillance, Pung Nugroho Saksono, stated that the team moved on Tuesday night, June 17, 2025, after receiving a report from the public. "The smuggled sea turtle eggs originated from Tambelan Island and were found on the ship KMP Bahtera Nusantara 03 at Sintete Port, Sambas, West Kalimantan," Saksono said in a press conference at the KKP office, Central Jakarta, Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
Saksono explained that the perpetrators planned to sell the eggs in Malaysia for consumption or hatching. He noted that similar practices often occur in West Kalimantan. The confiscated eggs are estimated to be worth Rp29.2 million. "There are consequences for this. We are currently investigating the owners and will hold them accountable," he said.
He emphasized that although the economic value of the eggs is small, their ecological impact is significant. Turtles only lay eggs in specific locations and take several decades to mature. "If the practice of egg collection continues, the survival of the turtle population in the wild could be seriously threatened," he said.
Saksono urged the public to be involved in surveillance. "The KKP will continue to strengthen surveillance and intensify patrols, especially in routes vulnerable to the smuggling of protected marine species," he said.
The government has designated turtles as highly endangered species. All forms of egg collection and trading are prohibited.
This prohibition is stipulated in Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Regulation Number 20 of 2022 regarding the Protection of Fish Species, which fully protects all types of turtles and their derivatives.
Law No. 31 of 2004 jo. Law No. 45 of 2009 concerning Fisheries strengthens these regulations. Offenders face imprisonment of up to six years and a maximum fine of Rp1.5 billion.
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