Turtle Conservation

Behind the big waves of the south coast of Yogyakarta, there is a story of a humble struggle to protect one of the most iconic creatures in the ocean, namely sea turtles. Mr Fajar, a young man from Patihan Bantul, Yogyakarta, has found his calling in preserving turtles.

With a strong enthusiasm, he is actively involved in turtle conservation activities on the Gua Cemara beach. As a volunteer, Mr Fajar has a very important role in turtle conservation efforts. routinely, together with his friends, he patrols the beach to look for newly created turtle nests. Once found, the nest will be had a sign and have a progress monitored. If the turtle nest is in a location that is much enemy to disturbance, such as an extreme tidal area or close to a settlement, the nest will be relocated to a safer place. He is also active in providing socialization to local communities regarding the importance of preserving turtles and their habitat.

Apart from gaining knowledge about turtle conservation, we can also take part in releasing baby turtles into the sea. Of course, this experience cannot easy to find in other areas.

Turtle Population and Conservation efforts

Apart from Mr. Fajar, there are several volunteers who also help preserve turtles on Gua Cemara Beach. Such as Sigit, Timan and Rica, their dedication to turtle conservation is very high. Every season turtles lay their eggs, they always take turns or work together to guard the beach. without any coercion from anywhere, they happy to do it.

Indonesia with the second longest coastline in the word, is home of the seven species of turtle. This hight marine biodiversity makes Indonesia one of the word s centers of turtle diversity. However, unfortunately the turtle population in Indonesia is currently have various serious threats which have caused their numbers to decline significantly. that’s why it really needs everyones awareness to help preserve turtles by supporting turtle conservation programs, like what Mr Timan and his friends are doing. Some of the problems turtle populations in Indonesia ;

Illegal hunting turtle meat and eggs are still widely hunted for consumption and trade purposes.
⁠excidant turtles are usually caught in fishermen’s nets without any element of intention. This causes death or injury to the turtle.
Marine pollution results in disruption of turtle habitats, such as rubbish and chemicals. Extreme climate changes can result in a decrease in egg hatching success.

Government program

The Indonesian government and same organizations have made various efforts to protect and preserve turtle population ;

●legal protection turtles are protected by laws and other regional regulations.

●law enforcement law enforcement against perpetrators of crimes against turtles is always being improved

●turtle conservation various places have established conservation to protect turtles

●Turtle rehabilitation injured and stranded turtles will be rehabilitated and released again.

●counseling to the public education and campaigns continue to be carried out to increase public awareness.

Even though various efforts have been made, turtle conservation in Indonesia still have a many callenges. there need to be increased coordination and synergy between the goverment and the community to support the turtle conservation program in Indonesia. so that the turtle population in Indonesia can be sustainable. Thank you very much to Mr Fajar and his friends for dedicating their time to turtle conservation in Indonesia.