# Raja Ampat turtle hunting investigation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/raja-ampat-turtle-hunting-investigation
> Updated: 2026-09-19T12:44:07.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 3.

Indonesian authorities are investigating the alleged killing and consumption of a critically endangered hawksbill turtle in the Raja Ampat marine conservation area. The investigation was prompted 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.

A Chinese diving instructor, Wei Shang, was detained at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar on September 14, 2026, while attempting to travel to Kuala Lumpur. While Shang has denied the allegations, claiming he is a victim of ‘mistaken identity and an online harassment campaign,’ the Meos Mansar Indigenous Community Patrol filed a formal complaint that led to the detention request.

Immigration Director General Hendarsam Marantoko stated that officials are coordinating with police to determine whether to apply immigration criminal provisions or laws governing the conservation of biological natural resources and their ecosystems. Shang, who entered Indonesia on a visa on arrival for tourism, had previously been placed on a subject-of-interest list.

In response, diving agencies AIDA International has suspended the instructor trainer, and SSI has opened a quality management case. The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism has announced a ‘zero-tolerance policy’ regarding ecosystem destruction, emphasizing that any parties providing tools, transportation, or facilitation for such illegal activities will be held legally accountable. Tourism operators are being urged to ensure visitors understand local laws prohibiting the harming of protected wildlife or damaging coral reefs.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-19: Indonesia considers criminal charges for suspected turtle hunting

Indonesia is considering criminal charges against a foreign national, Wei Shang, for suspected turtle hunting in Raja Ampat after video evidence surfaced on social media.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indonesia-considers-criminal-charges-for-suspected-turtle-hunting

### 2026-09-16: Indonesian authorities detain diving instructor over turtle killing allegations

A Chinese diving instructor has been detained in Indonesia after footage allegedly showed the spearing and consumption of a protected hawksbill turtle in Raja Ampat.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indonesian-authorities-detain-diving-instructor-over-turtle-killing-allegations

### 2026-09-16: Raja Ampat ecosystem protection prioritized after turtle hunting incident

Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism has vowed zero tolerance for ecosystem damage in Raja Ampat after a Chinese tourist was detained for allegedly hunting and consuming protected turtles.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/raja-ampat-ecosystem-protection-prioritized-after-turtle-hunting-incident

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Cite as: Raja Ampat turtle hunting investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/raja-ampat-turtle-hunting-investigation