As Many as 183 Napoleon Wrasse Released into Kepulauan Seribu Waters

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Islands) Food Security, Maritime, and Agriculture (KPKP) Sub-agency, Jakarta Province in collaboration with the Jakarta Metropolitan Police’s Maritime Police Directorate (Ditpolairud), released 183 Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) into the Pulau Panggang Marine Protected Area on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

The fish were recently confiscated from local fishermen as part of a crackdown on the illegal trade of protected species. The Napoleon wrasse, known for its vibrant scales and prominent forehead, is a strictly protected species in Indonesia due to its dwindling population in the wild and its critical role in maintaining the health of coral reef ecosystems.

“This activity is carried out as a form of commitment to maintaining the preservation of the marine ecosystem, considering that the Napoleon fish is one of the protected types of fish because its population is increasingly limited in nature,” said Head of Kepulauan Seribu KPKP Sub-agency, Nurliati, as quoted by Antara.

She emphasized that the release represents a concrete effort to ensure the sustainability of fishery resources in Kepulauan Seribu. Nurliati also highlighted that the operation serves as a platform for public education.

“We hope that the community and fishermen can better understand the importance of maintaining marine habitats and not catching or trading protected fish,” she added.

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police underscored their support for environmental preservation through rigorous monitoring and law enforcement. Deputy Director of Ditpolairud, Police Adjunct Police Commissioner Bungin Masokan Misalayuk, said that his department would continue to prioritize the protection of marine resources.

“We continue to take action against protected fishing activities. We also prioritize education for the community so that together we can maintain the preservation of marine resources,” Bungin remarked.

Bungin further noted that the Napoleon wrasse plays a pivotal role in the underwater balance, specifically within reef structures. “We hope this release activity can provide a positive impact for the sustainability of the marine ecosystem in Kepulauan Seribu,” he said.

Echoing this sentiment, Pulau Panggang Village Secretary Adehan urged residents to take an active role in protecting their local waters.

“We hope the community becomes increasingly aware of the importance of maintaining and protecting the marine biota in the Thousand Islands,” Adehan stated.

As Kepulauan Seribu continue to face pressure from illegal fishing, the successful return of these 183 fish to their natural habitat marks a vital victory for local biodiversity and regional law enforcement synergy. ***