A woman in Jembrana regency – Bali was arrested after she had bought four green turtles with the intention to resell the endangered species.
The 39-year-old woman that identified initials SA, reportedly acquired the green turtles from a fisherman and had bought them for IDR2 million (USD137) each.
“The suspect intended to resell the green turtles,” Yogie Pramagita, General Crimes Unit Head in Jembrana precinct.
Authorities received a tip-off from local residents about a person who was keeping green turtles at their home, leading to an investigation that brought them to SA’s house in the Negara district.
“The suspect said this is her first time doing such a thing,” Yogie said.
SA has been charged with articles under Indonesia’s conservation law, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum fine of IDR 100 million (USD 6,875).
The green turtle, or Chelonia mydas, is a protected species in Indonesia under a 1999 Government Regulation on preserving flora and fauna species.
This species of large sea turtle is also listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
