Fraud Blocker
New-Kirana-Retreat-Logo

Making a Splash: How Local Conservation Efforts Are Helping Save Indonesia’s Sea Turtles

turtle conservation in indonesia baby-turtle-on-beach
Bere Horthy

Bere Horthy

Travel Writer

Skip to Section

Indonesia is a country full of stunning nature and vibrant culture. The many islands scattered throughout this archipelago make for an exciting holiday destination. 

Indonesia also offers some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world, but something is missing. Sea turtles are one of nature’s marvels you can discover when exploring Indonesia’s coastline. 

Unfortunately, these majestic creatures face dwindling numbers due to environmental factors. Local conservation initiatives have stepped up by leveraging innovative campaigns to help save sea turtles and protect their habitats in this beautiful part of the world. 

Furthermore, visitors to Indonesia can now get up close and personal with them while helping support their protection. 

In this blog post, let us look at how local conservation efforts are making a splash in helping to preserve Indonesia’s magnificent sea turtles now and for generations to come!

Source: Yayasan Anambas

Overview of Indonesia’s Incredible Turtle Species

Indonesia, the largest archipelago in the world, is home to an incredible array of turtle species, both land and sea. 

These reptiles can be found on almost every major island, with some species being endemic to this region. 

Six out of seven of the world’s species of sea turtles are found on the coastline of Indonesia. These include leatherbacks, Hawksbills, Loggerheads, Flatbacks, Olive Ridleys and Green Sea Turtles.

These species are essential for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring a healthy marine ecosystem. 

They help to control populations of seaweed and algae in certain areas that would otherwise go unchecked, helping to maintain a balance in the marine environment. 

In addition, their nesting grounds provide valuable habitat for other animals, such as crabs, seabirds and fish, which depend on them for food or shelter.

Sea Turtles worldwide are considered endangered due to threats such as poaching and habitat destruction. 

To protect these incredible creatures, many organizations are working hard to create protected areas that will safeguard turtle species from further decline and ensure their survival into the future. 

This includes programs that aim to reduce turtle egg poaching by improving education among locals about the importance of conserving these precious animals. 

Additionally, efforts have been made to develop sustainable fishing practices so that turtle populations can recover from years of overfishing and remain healthy into the future.

Source: BBC

Problem – Sea Turtles on the Decline Because of Environmental Factors 

The decline of sea turtle populations in Indonesia is a serious environmental concern that cannot be ignored. 

Every year, hundreds of thousands of sea turtles are killed by ocean pollution, fishing nets, nest erosion and harvesting for eggs and meat.

The consumption of turtle eggs is the most significant cause of endangerment of the Sea Turtle population worldwide. 

In many parts of Indonesia, these eggs are thought of as a delicacy and an aphrodisiac. They are served to guests of honour, such as local government officials.

Turtle egg poachers are well vised in turtle nesting habits, behaviours and patterns. Standing over the turtles as they lay their eggs, they wait eagerly to snatch them up at the first opportunity. 

Depending on the species of sea turtles, they will only lay 50-160 eggs per clutch. Statistically, only 1 in 1,000 of these eggs will survive into adulthood if these eggs are left to hatch. 

However, with all of the eggs taken from the beach by poachers, the likelihood of these turtles even hatching is next to none.

Plastic pollution is another lethal threat facing these beautiful animals today. As plastic breaks down into small fragments, it is eaten by marine animals, including sea turtles. 

This ingestion can block the digestive system, leading to death; it can also cause malnutrition as indigestible plastic fills up the animal’s stomach. 

Sea turtles can also become entangled in discarded fishing nets and lines, which often prove fatal due to exhaustion or drowning.

Illegal poaching for eggs and meat continues to plague Indonesia’s sea turtle population despite strict laws prohibiting such activities, especially in rural parts of Indonesia, where it’s not well regulated. 

If Indonesian authorities don’t take measures to protect these vulnerable animals soon by actively enforcing laws and legislation, there may be no sea turtles left in the future.

Source: Mongabay

Government Action – Steps Taken to Conserve Sea Turtle Populations in Indonesia

The Indonesian government has established various programs and regulations to ensure that sea turtles remain a part of the country’s precious biodiversity.

One of the most important programs is the Sea Turtle Conservation Indonesia in Program, which seeks to protect sea turtle nesting sites on several of Indonesia’s islands. 

This program works with local communities and fishermen to ensure that nesting sites are not disturbed and eggs are allowed to hatch successfully. 

It also encourages community members to monitor nesting sites to keep track of changes in population size.

The Indonesian government has also implemented several regulations regarding fishing in areas where sea turtles may be found. These rules are designed to reduce bycatch and accidental capture of turtles in fishing nets or other traps. 

In addition, it is now illegal for any fisherman or boat captain to intentionally target or harm sea turtles in any way. 

Trafficking perpetrators of protected species, such as sea turtles, are liable to imprisonment of 5 years and a fine of 100 million IDR (10,000 USD). 

Unfortunately, the trafficking of sea turtle eggs is still happening throughout rural areas of Indonesia due to the lack of enforcement of regulations.

However, despite the lack of implemented regulations, the Indonesian government has formed collaborations with companies taking the initiative in the fight to save these beautiful animals. 

These initiatives may include maintaining and monitoring common nesting sites, beach clean-up efforts, hatch-and-release programs and research projects that focus on understanding more about this species. 

Through collaboration, the government can make sure turtle conservation in Indonesia is being carried out in line with the laws. This encourages individuals and businesses to take an active role in conservation efforts rather than simply relying on government regulation alone.

Turtle conservation Indonesia Speech
Source: Kirana Retreat

The Role Kirana Retreat Plays – Raising Awareness and Partnering With Local Businesses

Kirana Retreat is an eco-friendly resort situated in the heart of nature near Sekongkang, West Sumbawa. 

Surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking Pantai Lawar, a mesmerizing bay filled with diverse sea creatures, including sea turtles. 

At Kirana Retreat, we strive for sustainability through conservation efforts that do our best to limit our impact on both the environment and wildlife.

Kirana Retreat’s turtle conservation program is part of the larger movement to protect and conserve biodiversity in Indonesia. 

The project has been running since 2021, with the goal of restoring the sea turtle population in the area. To do this, we have partnered with the local mine and started a hatch-and-release program. 

Conservation programs such as Kirana Retreat’s hatch-and-release programs are crucial in aiding 1 in 1,000 survive to adulthood. 

During these events, members of the public are invited to name and release a baby turtle into the ocean for a donation, which goes entirely towards supporting the conservation project. 

The head of the mining operation and the owner of Kirana Retreat are both present at the turtle releases to educate attendees about the importance of conservation. 

In addition, Kirana Retreat also actively works to buy back eggs from local and online markets that are being sold illegally. 

This not only helps provide income to the local community, but it also helps restore and protect the ecosystem by keeping illegal trade under control. 

With all these efforts combined, Kirana Retreat is making great strides in helping restore Indonesia’s biodiversity.

The hatch-and-release program provides an interactive way for people to get involved in conservation while giving them an opportunity to learn more about it. 

And by taking steps to monitor illegal egg sales, we are able to actively reduce the exploitation of these species while providing an alternative source of income for locals who depend on selling sea turtle eggs as their livelihood.

Source: Kirana Retreat

How We Can All Work Together To Improve Turtle conservation Indonesia

The conservation of sea turtles in Indonesia is an incredibly important mission that can only be achieved with a collective effort. 

We must all work together to ensure these amazing animals are protected and their habitats sustained.

Turning off lights visible from the beach is a great way to get started. Hatchlings are easily disoriented by even distant artificial light sources, meaning they may wander away from the water and never find their way back. 

Additionally, artificial lighting also disrupts mating behaviours and can interfere with feeding habits. 

To prevent this, use only low-wattage bulbs near beachfront properties or consider installing LED shielding around lighting fixtures where possible.

It is also essential to reduce the amount of rubbish present on beaches. Sea turtles often mistake plastic materials for food, leading to internal blockages and serious health problems. 

Reducing our own personal waste production and picking up any trash we may see when at the beach are simple yet effective ways to help protect these animals from further harm. 

Furthermore, it is important to be aware of active sea turtle nesting areas and nearby hatching sites so that activities such as swimming, motorboat driving or beach walking do not disturb them. 

Reducing the amount of chemicals used in our homes and gardens will positively impact the environment overall, particularly on sea turtles in Indonesia. 

Many chemicals used in everyday household products, such as detergents and pesticides, contain toxins that can leach into waterways. 

This causes damage to marine ecosystems and their inhabitants, like turtles and other animals that rely on clean water sources for survival. 

When possible, opt for natural substitutes such as vinegar or baking soda, which are more environmentally friendly alternatives. 

Volunteering or donating to local and international conservation organizations working hard to protect these creatures is another easy way for us all to make a difference. 

Many organizations need volunteers or financial support to execute their missions and protect local species effectively, so any contribution can go a long way!

It’s time for us to do our part in saving these majestic turtles. Every little bit counts, and by taking action, whether it’s picking up a bag full of rubbish on your next trip to the beach, or contributing to conservation programs, together we can make a difference. 

If you’re interested in getting involved, Kirana Retreat offers regular turtle-release events where you can learn more about these incredible creatures and what you can do to help protect them. 

To find out when our next event is, visit our website at Kirana-Retreat.com.

Contents