Indonesia condemns alleged turtle killing in Raja Ampat
Indonesia’s Tourism Ministry condemned reports that a foreign tourist killed a protected sea turtle in Raja Ampat, saying visitors must follow conservation rules as authorities continued their inquiry.
By Pandi Muktar
Editor: Mursyid Sonsang
· 2 min read
Jakarta — Indonesia’s Tourism Ministry has condemned the alleged speargun killing of a protected sea turtle in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua, after reports said a foreign tourist was detained at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Maros, South Sulawesi, on Sept. 14, 2026.
According to the ministry statement carried by RRI, the government has a zero-tolerance position toward conduct that damages Raja Ampat’s ecosystem and says visitors must obey Indonesian law and conservation rules.
RRI reported that the suspect has been placed under further legal processing, while another report said immigration officers stopped a Chinese national identified by the initials WS as he prepared to depart for Kuala Lumpur. A separate report identified him as a certified diving instructor.
Media reports said the case drew attention after social media posts allegedly showed the man spearfishing in Raja Ampat and handling turtle remains. The reports also said local authorities asked immigration to prevent him from leaving Indonesia while the case was being handled.
Investigation
The tourism ministry said its warning was not limited to hunting protected species. It also covered damaging coral reefs, taking or injuring protected marine life, killing protected animals and other activities that threaten the marine environment.
According to the reports, police and immigration were coordinating further examination in Sorong and checking evidence linked to the alleged incident.
The reports cited so far do not show a final court ruling or a formal criminal conviction in the case. The matter is being described by authorities as an alleged violation involving protected wildlife.
Key dates
- Sept. 14, 2026: Immigration officers detained the suspect at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, according to RRI and other reports.
- Sept. 15, 2026: The Tourism Ministry statement was received, according to RRI.
- Sept. 16, 2026: RRI published the ministry’s condemnation and follow-up reporting continued.
Sources
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