Government and Partners Strengthen Turtle Protection After the Incident in Balikukup

The death of a green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), allegedly killed while nesting in Kampung Balikukup, Batu Putih Subdistrict, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan, on 3 August 2026, has become a momentum for the government and conservation partners to strengthen sea turtle protection in Indonesia.

In response to the incident, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), the East Kalimantan Provincial Marine Affairs and Fisheries Office (DKP), the Public Service Agency of the Coastal Conservation and Small Islands Management Unit for the Derawan Islands and Surrounding Waters (KKP3K KDPS), along with the Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN), have reinforced coordination on-site and formulated steps to enhance turtle protection. These include increasing habitat monitoring during nesting seasons, community education, strengthening the management of conservation areas, and cross-sector collaboration.

The case came to public attention after the Community Surveillance Group (Pokmaswas) Lestari Balikukup found a dead female green turtle on Balikukup Beach, suspected to have been killed while nesting. The discovery went viral on social media and was widely reported by the media.

Following the discovery, KKP, through the Marine and Fisheries Resource Surveillance Station (PSDKP) Tarakan and the Pontianak Marine Management Office, Balikpapan Work Area, coordinated with the Berau Police Department, DKP East Kalimantan, local government, conservation area managers, and community groups to gather field information as a basis for further action.

The Director General of Marine and Fisheries Resource Surveillance, represented by the Director of Fisheries Resource Surveillance, Sahono Budianto, emphasized that the PSDKP Directorate General is committed to following up on this case and intensifying the protection of endangered marine species.

“We have responded to this incident by establishing coordination with Berau Police, East Kalimantan DKP, and relevant stakeholders to collect information and evidence in the field as the foundation for the next steps. We hope that the handling of this case proceeds well and serves as a lesson to prevent similar incidents. PSDKP will continue to strengthen surveillance and law enforcement against any violations threatening the conservation of turtles and their habitats, in synergy with law enforcement, local government, conservation area managers, Pokmaswas, and the wider community,” said Sahono.

Separately, Sarmintohadi, Director of Species and Genetics Conservation at the KKP Directorate General of Marine Management, stressed that turtles are protected marine species with a vital role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem.

"The Balikukup case is a reminder for us to ensure that turtle protection is consistently reinforced. As well as encouraging the case to be handled properly within the law, we are strengthening the management of conservation areas, improving the monitoring of nesting habitats, and promoting community engagement as the frontline of turtle conservation,” said Sarmintohadi.

The East Kalimantan Provincial Government also expressed its commitment. Head of the East Kalimantan DKP, Irhan Hukmaidy, stated that conservation success can only be achieved through the collaboration of all stakeholders.

“Turtle protection cannot be done alone. It requires cooperation among the central and local governments, law enforcement, conservation area managers, communities, academics, and conservation partners to maintain nesting habitats and prevent similar incidents,” he said.

Didik Riyanto, Head of the KKP3K-KDPS BLUD UPTD, reinforced this commitment, emphasising that the managed conservation area is one of the most important green turtle nesting sites in Indonesia and therefore requires stronger protection.

“This incident reminds us to continue enhancing conservation area management. Moving forward, we will promote stronger patrols, nesting habitat monitoring, capacity building for staff and communities, and broader collaboration to ensure effective and sustainable turtle protection,” said Didik.

Muhammad Ilman, Director of the Ocean Program at YKAN, echoed similar support, emphasising that protecting turtles is inseparable from actively involving the community and improving the welfare of those living near turtle habitats.

“The Balikukup case should be a momentum to accelerate the development of an integrated framework for turtle protection. Effective conservation area management must be accompanied by capacity building for managers and communities, science-based habitat monitoring, community outreach, and cross-sector collaboration. At the same time, conservation efforts should provide economic benefits to communities through sustainable natural resource management. YKAN is ready to continue supporting the government and communities in realizing this goal,” Ilman said.

The Kampung Balikukup community hopes the beach will remain a safe nesting site for turtles.  Suriyadi, the community leader and Pokmaswas Lestari Balikukup activist, hopes the government and conservation partners will continue assisting the community in building capacity, conducting community-based surveillance, and developing alternative livelihoods that support conservation.

Sea turtles are keystone species that maintain the health of seagrass beds and balance coral reef ecosystems, making them important indicators of marine ecosystem health. Indonesia is home to six of the seven species of sea turtle found worldwide. The country has numerous vital nesting beaches, including those in the Berau Regency. All sea turtle species in Indonesia are protected under the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Decree Number 66 of 2025 on Protected Fish Species.

As part of its commitment to protecting sea turtles, KKP, through the Directorate General of Marine and Fisheries Resource Surveillance, will continue to strengthen monitoring in nesting habitats, increase joint patrols, enhance the role of community surveillance groups (Pokmaswas), and strictly enforce laws against violations of marine species protection. These measures are carried out in coordination with local governments, law enforcement, conservation area managers, academics, and conservation partners to achieve sustainable marine resource management.

The Balikukup incident highlights the need for continuous commitment and collaboration in sea turtle protection. Through the synergy of the government, local communities, law enforcement, academics, and conservation partners, along with KKP’s commitment to surveillance and law enforcement, this case is expected to serve as a turning point to reinforce the protection of sea turtles and their nesting habitats, ensuring their presence as a vital part of Indonesia’s marine ecosystems for future generations.