Press Release: ProFauna and Melanie Subono Campaign For Sea Turtles Protection

(07/16/2009) Indonesian rock singer, Melanie Subono, together with ProFauna Indonesia invites the public to save sea turtles. In their public campaign on Kuta Beach, Bali, the singer and the organization members stretch a 100-meter banner saying "Only 1 from 1,000 Will Survive" and hand out free stickers of sea turtles conservation to the Kuta beach visitors.

"Only 1 from 1,000 Will Survive" message shows that according to several researches it is concluded that from 1,000 baby sea turtles on average, only one baby will survive and grows up until its adulthood. This means that sea turtles are extremely vulnerable to extinction and they will be furthered threatened by extinction if there is no effort to save them.

The major threat of sea turtles is the poaching for meat consumption. In addition, the illegal trade of sea turtles also poses serious threat to the ancient marine animals. ProFauna Bali Office Coordinator, I Wayan Wiradnyana, stated, "The trade of sea turtles and their eggs is a crime because all sea turtles in Indonesia are protected by law". According to the 1990 Wildlife Act concerning the Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation, the trade of sea turtles violates the law and the offenders are liable to five-year prison term and 100 millions IDR (10,000 USD) fine.

The ongoing trade urges Melanie Subono to get involve in ProFauna's sea turtle protection campaign. The musician said, "Sea turtles are unique animals that can serve as tourism attraction so that they must be preserved. Poaching and killing sea turtles will only bring bad impact on tourism in Bali"

Rosek Nursahid, chairman of ProFauna Indonesia, added, "Without public participation to save sea turtles, it will be difficult to tackle the illegal wildlife trade. By not buying wildlife or their by-products and actively reporting wildlife crime are two of good examples that people can do to support wildlife conservation in Indonesia". Until now, ProFauna has been collecting more support from the public to get involved in wildlife protection campaign. ProFauna has members and supporters all over Indonesia, ranging from celebrities, businessmen, university people, students, teachers and many more.