“The sea turtles have been kept at that building [in Melaya Village, Jembrana] since Wednesday, the suspect was waiting for a buyer,” Yogie Pramagita, an officer from Jembrana Police’s criminal investigation unit, told Bali Post.

According to reports from local media, police received reports about the sea turtles from local residents.

“The suspect said that the sea turtles were going to be sold to someone in Denpasar. Based on his statement, we are investigating further,” Yogie was quoted as saying.

Local media identified the suspect as 49-year-old Tahwan, who is a resident of Melaya Village in Jembrana. 

The trade of all turtle species, turtle products and their eggs are illegal in Indonesia. The country’s 1990 Conservation Law categorizes sea turtles as protected species, and violators could face up to five years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of IDR100 million (US$7,078). 

Earlier this month, an official from the Coastal and Marine Resources Management Center (BPSPL) in Bali highlighted how weak law enforcement and existing demand has enabled the illegal trade of turtle products to continue. 

The official, Permana Yudiarsa, said then that political will and commitment, both from the government and the consumers, are needed to curb the activity.