May 2005
HELP US TO STOP THE HAWKSBILL TURTLE (Eretmochelys imbricata) TRADE   IN YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA
 

During the 70 - 80’s Indonesia was renown for being one of the largest suppliers of hawksbills turtle-shells to Japan, when sea turtles were not protected by law.  Today, all species of sea turtles found in the Indonesian seas are protected by national legislation No. 5 of 1990, of the Natural Resources Conservation and Ecosystem, as well as under the local legislation No. 7 of Fauna and Flora Preservation. 

According to these legislations, the commercial exploitation of sea turtles and parts is forbidden and for those who violates the laws, would receive 5 years jail sentence maximum plus monetary fine of Rp 100 Million (US$10,200).  In addition, all species of sea turtles have been included in the Appendix I of CITES (Convension on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wildl Flora and Fauna), which means the international trade of sea turtles is illegal and banned.  Indonesia has taken part in the ratification of CITES convention since 1978. 

In 2001 and 2002 ProFauna Indonesia conducted an in-depth investigation into the trade of hawksbills turtle all over Indonesia.  The result of our investigation demonstrated that the centre of the hawskbills turtle trade is in Yogyakarta.  Hawksbills shells are utilised to produce handicrafts and tourist souvenirs due to its attractive texture and uniqueness. The type of items produced are; bracelets, rings, combs and other souveniers.  Further information on this investigation can be read on our website at:  http://www.profauna.or.id

ProFauna has launched several large protest demonstrations against the trade of turtle shell souvenirs in many parts of Indonesia. In 2003 thousands of such turtle shells souvenirs which were confiscated in Bali were made in Yogyakarta.

In Yogyakarta, ProFauna has been urging and lobbying the local Council of Natural Resources Conservation (BKSDA) of the Department of Forestry.  However, there has not been any action taken to curb the hawskbills shells trade in Yogyakarta. To date such trade still flourishes and is conducted freely in places such as Malioboro Road and Kota Gede.

Tainting Yogyakarta’s image in tourism
Yogyakarta city is one of the main foreign tourist destinations in Indonesia after Bali. The practice of merchandising sea turtle shells has tainted and given negative impression of Yogyakarta. As a cultural and tourist city, Yogyakarta should be free from such illegal sea turtle shells trade.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Send a protest letter to ban the trade of turtle shells souvenirs which has given Yogyakarta a negative image, send your letter to:

1. Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, Governor of Yogyakarta Province
   Komplek Kepatihan Danurejan Yogyakarta 55213 - Indonesia
   Fax. 0274 588613 
    

2. MS Kaban, Minister of Forestry of Republic of Indonesia
   Gedung Manggala Wanabhakti
   Blok I, lantai 4
   Jl. Gatot Subroto, Jakarta Pusat 10270
   Fax. (021) 5700226
    

3. Ir. Rahmat Witoelar, Minister of Environment of  Republic of Indonesia
   Jl. D.I Panjaitan, Kebon Nanas, Gedung B, Lantai 2
   Jakarta Timur 13410
    

4. Jero Wacik, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Republic of Indonesia
   Jl. Merdeka Barat No.17 Jakarta 10110
   Fax. (021) 3848245 or 38480210

Please send a copy of your protest letter to ProFauna Indonesia at the following address:


ProFauna Indonesia – Bali Office
PO BOX 3435 Denpasar 80034 Bali Indonesia
Telp./Fax. 0361 424731, email: profaunabali@indo.net.id