Yayasan Penyu Indonesia (YPI) and PROFAUNA Indonesia are ramping up their campaign to encourage tourists in Bali to stop buying or using souvenirs made from turtle shells. This initiative was launched today (November 18) by distributing informational leaflets at key tourist information centers, such as the Indonesian Tourist Information Center (ITIC), and at hotels in the popular Kuta tourism area of Bali.
The leaflets share a compelling story about the cruel process of harvesting turtle shells, which results in the turtles’ slow and painful death.
Muhamad Jayuli, Campaign Officer at YPI, stressed the importance of educating tourists and the public, as many are still unaware of the cruel methods used to create these products.
“We hope that after reading the leaflet, tourists will have a better understanding and will rethink their decision to purchase products made from turtle shells,” said Jayuli.
All turtle species are protected under the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Regulation No. P.106 of 2018. According to Law No. 5 of 1990 on the Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and Ecosystems, it is strictly prohibited to capture, trade, or possess turtles and their body parts. Violators of this regulation face up to 5 years in prison and a fine of IDR 100 million.
“In addition to providing information, we also encourage tourists and the public to help combat the turtle trade by reporting any sightings of turtle shell products being sold to us or the authorities,” added Jayuli.
YPI, the Turtle Foundation, and PROFAUNA will be launching a national campaign urging the public to stop buying or using products made from turtle shells. The campaign, called “Cool Without Wearing My Shell,” aims to reduce or eliminate the trade of turtle shell products.
