Indonesian authorities detain diving instructor over turtle killing allegations

Indonesian authorities have detained a Chinese diving instructor, Wei Shang, following allegations that a critically endangered hawksbill turtle was speared and consumed in the Raja Ampat marine conservation area.

The investigation was triggered by social media footage showing a diver using a speargun to kill a turtle near Piaynemo, followed by images of the animal being prepared as food. The Meos Mansar Indigenous Community Patrol filed a formal complaint, prompting the Raja Ampat Regency Government to request that immigration officials prevent the suspect from leaving the country.

Wei Shang was detained at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar while attempting to board a flight to Kuala Lumpur. He has denied the allegations, claiming he is a victim of mistaken identity and an online harassment campaign.

In response to the incident, freediving agency AIDA International has suspended the instructor trainer, and SSI has opened a quality management case. Indonesian authorities continue to investigate the incident, noting that sea turtles are a protected species under national law.