Green Turtle Released in Kodek Bay
Friday, 31 October, 2008 | 13:06 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Mataram:The West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Water Police together with the NTB's Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA) this morning (31/10) released 26 green turtles in Kodek Bay, in front of the Gili Trawangan Island in West Lombok.

The protected green turtles – each weighing 20 – 70 kilograms – were caught on Wednesday in the Serewe Waters of East Lombok.

Water Police chief Sudaryadi who led the release of the turtles said the animals were confiscated from suspect Jupri, a trader from Southeast Sulawesi, who intended to sell the turtles in the market. "The suspect said they were to be sold in Bali," Sudaryadi said. The smallest turtle could cost Rp 5 million each.

Jupri has been charged with violating the Law no. 1/1990 on Biological Resources and Ecosystem and faces five years imprisonment and Rp 100 million in fines.

Supriyantho Khafid