Balembangan Island, covering an area of 9.3 hectares, is located at coordinates 1°47’20.51″N, 118°59’47.32″E, within the administrative area of Maratua District, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan. According to the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Regulation No. 4 of 2018, this island is part of a Specific National Strategic Area (KSNT). In addition to its role in national security defense, this area also functions as an environmental protection zone that supports sustainable fisheries and tourism activities. This uninhabited forest island cannot support independent life as there is no freshwater source found.
Protected Wildlife: The island serves as a nesting habitat for green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), with the nesting season occurring from May to November (with peak nesting in August) every year. Despite this, Balembangan Island is never empty of turtle visits even outside the nesting season. Besides turtles, there are several rare species that can be found on Balembangan Island, including various types of raptors (predatory birds), red-legged crabs, manta rays, and various types of marine mammals in its surrounding waters.
Osprey
Potential Disruptions: The rise of destructive fishing practices is highly detrimental as it not only threatens turtles but also harms other protected wildlife. Fish bombing and poisoning can kill protected species. During the first survey conducted by YPI in January 2019, dozens of coral reef points were found severely damaged from fish bomb explosions. The survey also revealed new holes in turtle nests that had been looted by egg thieves. Given the absence of hatchlings in the survey, it can be inferred that 100% of the turtle nests had been looted, leaving no eggs for any hatchlings to emerge.
Fish Bombing Activity
Conservation History: Before 2019, all turtle nests were raided by egg thieves. Not only turtle nests, but some witnesses also reported that adult turtles were occasionally killed for their meat. Other protected species, such as red-legged crabs and raptors, were also hunted for consumption or trade. According to field reports, turtle eggs were stolen by individuals who would raid dozens of nests in one night. After gathering the eggs, they would transport them on large boats. In 2017, PROFAUNA Indonesia, supported by the Turtle Foundation, regularly conducted marine patrols in collaboration with the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) along a route that included Biduk-Biduk, Mataha, Bilang-Bilangan, Sambit, and Balembangan. During these patrols, the team discovered remnants of turtle nest disturbances. PROFAUNA reported these findings to the Vice Regent of Berau (H. Agus Tantomo) and law enforcement agencies. Since then, joint patrols have been intensified to prevent nest looting. The Indonesian Turtle Foundation (YPI) signed a cooperation agreement with the Berau Regency Government and the East Kalimantan Provincial Government to manage turtle conservation on Balembangan Island. YPI rangers first landed on the island on February 2, 2019. Their main task is to prevent the looting of turtle nests. They also monitor turtle visits, count nests and eggs, and record the number of hatchlings that successfully emerge and return to the sea. YPI rangers are also responsible for maintaining the island, ensuring it remains free from any hazards to turtles (such as plastic waste or large logs that could trap turtles). Rangers patrol the island up to three times a day, 24 hours a day. YPI strives to protect turtles, other wildlife, and their habitat from human disturbance. In connection with this, YPI collaborates with law enforcement officers. Some forms of cooperation include joint water patrols and island monitoring. When violations are detected, YPI rangers gather evidence, including photos, videos, and other recordings, to report to law enforcement. In performing their duties, YPI rangers adhere to Indonesian law and follow the established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Limited Tourism Potential: In principle, YPI can collaborate with local communities in managing limited tourism that prioritizes environmental sustainability and the carrying capacity of the island. The most feasible tourism activity on the island is observing turtle nesting. Together with YPI rangers, potential tourists can observe hatchling rescues, turtle rescues, egg counting, and hatchling releases. At night, tourists can also stargaze. The sky is very clear and bright, due to the minimal lighting on Balembangan Island (bright lights are not allowed). If lucky, visitors may also observe red-legged crabs, which are attracted to the scent of coconut fruit. During the day, tourists can go snorkeling to view the coral reefs.
Tourism on Balembangan Island can also be part of a tour that includes other islands in the Derawan Archipelago, such as Maratua Island, Derawan Island, and Kakaban Island.
