[CLSTR]
< Back to situation

[REVISION HISTORY]

Raja Ampat turtle hunting investigation

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-17 01:26 UTC → 2026-09-20 05:29 UTC · added removed

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. 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 ‘mistaken identity and an online harassment campaign,” campaign,’ the Meos Mansar Indigenous Community Patrol filed a formal complaint that led to the detention request. In response Immigration Director General Hendarsam Marantoko stated that officials are coordinating with police to determine whether to apply immigration criminal provisions or laws governing the incident, 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 have taken disciplinary or investigative actions. has opened a quality management case. The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism has since announced a “zero-tolerance policy” ‘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.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-20 05:29 UTC Raja Ampat turtle hunting investigation
  2. 2026-09-17 01:26 UTC Raja Ampat turtle hunting investigation

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.