Ministry Strongly Condemns Alleged Speargun Hunting of Turtles in Raja Ampat

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia strongly condemns the alleged hunting of sea turtles using a speargun by a tourist in the Raja Ampat tourism area, Southwest Papua. The perpetrator has been detained by authorities and is undergoing further legal proceedings at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, Maros Regency, Monday, September 14, 2026.

In an official statement received on September 15, 2026, the Ministry affirmed its uncompromising stance against any form of ecosystem destruction in the area. The Ministry declared zero tolerance for anyone damaging the Raja Ampat ecosystem and reminded all tourists visiting Indonesia that they are obliged to comply with national laws and respect applicable conservation regulations.

The Ministry explained that these prohibitions extend beyond the hunting of protected species like sea turtles; they also encompass actions that damage coral reefs, the taking, injuring, or killing of protected marine life, and other activities that threaten the sustainability of the marine ecosystem in Raja Ampat.

Going beyond the primary perpetrator, the Ministry urged authorities to thoroughly investigate all parties involved in the alleged violation. Those who provided equipment, transported, accompanied, or facilitated the act, or who knowingly allowed the violation to occur, must also be held accountable in accordance with the law.

The Ministry emphasized the significance of this case, noting that Raja Ampat is a natural treasure of Indonesia, globally recognized for its rich underwater biodiversity. According to the Ministry, this area must be protected rather than exploited or destroyed by anyone, including visiting tourists.

As a preventative measure, the Ministry of Tourism has asked all tourism businesses in Raja Ampat, from tour operators and guides to accommodation managers and boat providers, to ensure that every tourist understands and complies with applicable conservation regulations and to immediately report any violations to the authorities.

The Ministry of Tourism clearly emphasized its message to all tourists visiting Indonesia: anyone traveling to Raja Ampat or other parts of the country is required to comply with Indonesian law, and anyone who violates it must be prepared to face the applicable legal consequences.

The Ministry concluded its statement by stressing that preserving Raja Ampat is not a matter of choice, but a shared obligation. Legal proceedings against the tourist suspected of poaching sea turtles are reportedly still ongoing.