In the end of May, in the vicinity of Batu Bolong Beach, precisely in front of Como Beach Club, a heart-wrenching case emerged. News of the alleged torture of turtles, particularly the critically endangered Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), has left deep sorrow and concern for Westerlaken foundation/Yayasan Bali Bersih and nature enthusiasts.
The entire incident was reported to the Badung Central Police by Westerlaken foundation/Yayasan Bali Bersih team as soon as they learned about it. The police immediately launched an investigation, but due to the vastness of the area and its complexity, the inquiry is still ongoing until now.
Facing this case, Westerlaken foundation/Yayasan Bali Bersih feels an urgent need for full support from various parties, including the police and the local community. The foundation believes that cooperation between the legal institutions and the local residents is the key to identifying the perpetrators behind this turtle torture. By tapping into the local community's knowledge of the surroundings and their ability to observe suspicious behaviour, their active involvement can provide valuable information to support law enforcement efforts.
The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), as a vulnerable species, requires protection and understanding from all of us. This case of torture serves as a call for everyone to unite in safeguarding marine life and biodiversity in our surroundings.
While the investigation is still ongoing, hope continues to grow that the perpetrators of this turtle torture will soon be identified and brought to justice. Support and active involvement from both the police and the community are crucial pillars in this endeavour. Through collaboration and our humanity's sensitivity, we can ensure that crimes against wildlife are fought against, and justice is upheld.