RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries continuosuly fosters its commitment to supporting the protection and rescue of turtles thru cross-sector collaboration in the Belitong UNESCO Global Geopark area.

This effort was realized thru the recent Turtle Management Strategy Socialization activity held in Belitung, involving local governments, tourism operators, associations, and the community to align economic interests and ecological responsibilities.

Special Staff to the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries for Marine Spatial Planning and Foreign Cooperation, Dyah Erowati, emphasized that turtles, beside being a protected species, are also indicators of the health of marine ecosystems.

"If turtles are still nesting, then the ecosystem is still being preserved. Conversely, the disappearance of turtles is an early sign of greater damage," she stated in an official broadcast in Jakarta, Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

Furthermore, Dyah emphasized that the status of Belitong as a UNESCO Global Geopark carries a significant responsibility to integrate conservation, education, and sustainable development aspects in a balanced manner.

Representing the Director General of Marine Management, the Director of Species and Genetic Conservation at the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sarmintohadi, stated that turtle conservation is part of the national strategy implemented thru three main pillars: protection, preservation, and sustainable utilization, which must be carried out in an integrated and data-based manner.

"The efforts to conserve turtles cannot be separated from existing challenges, such as population decline, habitat degradation, and human activity pressures. Therefore, strengthening monitoring systems, law enforcement, and community involvement is necessary as part of a long-term solution," he said.

As a follow-up, a field visit was conducted to Pulau Cina to review the turtle rescue facilities managed by PT Penyu Lima Konservindo. This field visit aimed to ensure Pulau Cina's readiness as a turtle conservation center integrated with tourism and education.