Jembrana Police Detain Three Over 11 Protected Mobula Rays

Jembrana — Jembrana maritime police seized 11 dead and cut-up mobula rays in Banjar Munduk, Pengambengan, on Oct. 9, 2026, and detained three people suspected of involvement in alleged protected-wildlife trading.

The operation was conducted by the Water and Air Police Unit of the Jembrana Police after information about the transport of protected marine animals. Officers stopped a man identified as M while he was riding a motorcycle and pulling a fish cart on Banjar Munduk Road. They found pieces of meat from 11 fish believed to be mobula rays.

Police said the initial inquiry indicated three people may have had different roles: catching and selling the fish, buying them, and transporting them. The three suspects were identified by initials as M, S and F. The report did not state their full names.

Why the seizure matters to Bali’s marine protection

Mobula rays are listed in the reports as protected animals. For foreign residents and visitors, the case illustrates that Indonesian wildlife protections apply to marine products and their transport within Bali, not only to live animals or activity in a national park. Possession, movement or trade of protected wildlife can trigger a police investigation.

Authorities also secured a Honda Vario motorcycle and cart, a fishing boat, a vehicle registration document and IDR 1.7 million (about US$105) in cash. Samples of the meat were taken for laboratory testing. The reports said the police were continuing to examine the suspected participants and collect evidence.

The identification of the rays involved coordination with the Coastal and Marine Resources Management Agency, known in Indonesia as BPSPL, and the Indonesian Wildlife Network. The investigation remained open, including possible involvement by other people.

Sources

• detikBali — regional news organisation
• Bali Post — regional news organisation
• bali.jpnn.com