September 17, 2026 | 01:52 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian police are investigating a Chinese tourist suspected of illegally spearing and eating a protected hawksbill sea turtle in the Raja Ampat marine sanctuary, Southwest Papua authorities confirmed Wednesday.
"Evidence still being examined by investigators allegedly shows the speargun being aimed at a turtle's neck, causing the animal to die," said Southwest Papua Police Spokesperson Commissioner Jenny S.A. Hengkelare, as quoted from Antara.
Police identified the suspect as Wilson Shang, following a report from local marine conservation officials.
Authorities allege the incident occurred between September 8 and September 11 near the Fam Islands, where Shang was filmed diving with a speargun alongside two companions.
Electronic evidence and video documentation seized by police reportedly show the turtle being shot, brought to a nearby homestay, and subsequently cooked and consumed.
A joint diving team and forensic investigators are conducting underwater searches and examining physical evidence from the location.
"Police have also obtained electronic evidence and documents, including video footage allegedly showing the turtle hunt and photographs depicting activities after the animal was allegedly cooked and consumed," Hengkelare noted, adding that officers are coordinating with immigration officials while questioning witnesses and experts.
"The case is being handled professionally in accordance with applicable law."
Raja Ampat is a globally renowned marine reserve famed for its high biodiversity.
If charged and convicted under Indonesia’s updated 2024 Natural Resources Conservation Law, the suspect faces severe criminal penalties for harvesting protected wildlife.
Read: Bali Under Government Scrutiny over Illegal Sea Turtle Trade
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesia, Malaysia Strengthen Monitoring of Protected Fish and Sea Turtle Eggs
6 Oktober 2025
The hunting and smuggling of protected fish species, including sea turtle eggs, from Indonesia to Malaysia, has become a crucial issue.
Bali Under Government Scrutiny over Illegal Sea Turtle Trade
8 Agustus 2025
The Ministry of Forestry states that Bali is susceptible to illegal sea turtle trades. Here are the preventive measures that have been taken.
Today's Top 3 News: Indonesia Plans Purchase of 48 Turkish KAAN Fighter Jets in Rp162 Trillion MoU
19 Juni 2025
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Two Green Sea Turtles Released into Aceh's Banyak Island Waters
21 Juli 2024
Two of four green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) rescued from hunters were released into the waters of Banyak Island in Aceh Singkil, Aceh, Indonesia.
Maritime Affairs Minister Calls for Preservation of Marine Ecosystems in Tourism Development
7 Maret 2024
The Maritime Affairs Minister urges local governments to protect coastal and marine areas when faced with economic and ecological interests.
Five Giant Leatherback Turtles Lay Eggs on Raja Ampat's Yenbekaki
8 Juni 2021
Five giant leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) made their way to the Warebar coastal area in Yenbekaki Village, Raja Ampat to lay eggs.
Thousands of Sea Turtles Hatch at Raja Ampat Beach
11 Juli 2020
A conservation group in Raja Ampat reported on Friday the release of 2,000 sea turtle hatchlings since June.
31 Giant Sea Turtles Lay Eggs in Raja Ampat Throughout 2018
5 Februari 2019
A total of 31 leatherback sea turtles landed and laid eggs in Yenbekaki Village, Raja Ampat district in West Papua, throughout 2018.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/7617354/original/030596700_1780403789-cek_fakta_-_bulog.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5380783/original/022608800_1760432989-Ilustrasi_Qunut.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5382328/original/091326000_1760578848-Cek_Fakta_Tidak_Benar_Ini_Link_Pendaftaran_-_2025-10-15T134632.180.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/6363680/original/024922800_1779238711-Tugas__15_.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/4081826/original/095015200_1657181935-eid-al-adha-g4b5ad3a7d_1920.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/1336023/original/016338800_1472887334-20160903-Idul-Adha-Jakarta-Qurban-YR2.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/6211301/original/095777700_1779089408-wadah_daging_kurban_selain_plastik_3.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/2336374/original/082096200_1534823979-Salat-Idul-Adha-1439-H5.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/6493867/original/025420800_1779351314-unnamed__6_.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/7961905/original/013698500_1780798434-Cek_Fakta_Tidak_Benar_Ini_Link_Pendaftaran_-_2026-06-07T090929.694.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5398477/original/084799400_1761886002-WhatsApp_Image_2025-10-30_at_23.11.40.jpeg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5564063/original/036332000_1776924981-cek_fakta_-_BSU_2026.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/3444300/original/037742600_1619765801-20210430-Suasana_Sholat_Jumat_Minggu_Ketiga_Ramadhan_di_Masjid_Istiqlal-3.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5547119/original/085428000_1775445943-Cek_Fakta_Tidak_Benar_Ini_Link_Pendaftaran_-_2026-04-06T101438.375.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/6470151/original/005986700_1779331713-20151013211910-berdoa-bersama-menyambut-tahun-baru-1437-hijriah-007-dru.jpg)