inp.polri.go.id – Flores. Personnel of Water and Air Police Directorate of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Regional Police releases protected animals of two Lekang turtles caught by a resident of East Flores.
"The turtle release was conducted after the Police personnel caught a man who tried to sell the two turtles to the locals", Chief of PR Agency of NTT Regional Police, Police Grand Commissioner Rishian Krisna Budhiaswanto.
Chief of PR Agency stated that a release is a form of seriousness from NTT Regional Police to protect animals protected by the Law. Besides, the turtle release was also part of a campaign to protect the protected sea animals such as turtles, dolphins, whales, et cetera.
"We want the people to be aware that catching sea mammals such as turtles, dolphins, and whales are violating the Law and could be imprisoned", Chief of PR Agency added.
Previously, personnel of the Water and Air Police Directorate of NTT Regional Police secured the turtles at the Marnit of Patrol Unit of East Flores, and the perpetrator was arrested and detained in the jail of East Flores Departmental Police for further investigation and legal process in accordance with the Law.
"For the development, the perpetrator is now being detained at the jail of East Flores Departmental Police for further actions", Chief of PR Agency added.
The turtle release ceremony was attended by Chief of East Flores Departmental Police, Police Grand Commissioner Attendant I Gusti Putu Suka Arsa, the Chief of Units of the East Flores Departmental Police, and personnel of the Water and Air Police Directorate of NTT Regional Police. There was also Chief of Marine Conservation and Coastal and Small Islands Management Section, Branch of Marine and Fisheries Agency of Lembata, East Flores, and Sikka Regency, Chief of Business Permit and Fisheries Resources Supervision Agency of East Flores Fisheries Agency, and staffs of Natural Resources Conservation Agency of Maumere.
Furthermore, the Chief of the PR Agency said that the investigation process is underway. He advised people not to catch turtles or other protected animals because it has legal consequences.
