Officials Seized Hundreds of Sea Turtle Shell-based Souvenirs from Market in Berau, East Kalimantan

Despite being strongly forbidden by law, sea turtle shell-based souvenirs are still widely sold in Berau, especially those made from the Hawksbill Sea Turtle's shell. PROFAUNA Borneo's investigation on 16 October found eight shops in Ajidilayas Market, Berau, East Kalimantan, that sell various of these illegal souvenirs.

The finding was immediately reported to the Deputy Mayor of Berau who has been showing great support for sea turtle conservation. The Deputy Mayor then deployed the local authority to respond to PROFAUNA's report.

Officials from Ajidilayas Market went to the scene right away and seized hundreds of Hawksbill Sea Turtle shell-based souvenirs. "We highly appreciate the rapid and positive response from the government in our effort to curb sea turtle based souvenirs, as it is forbidden by laws," said Bayu Sandi, the coordinator of PROFAUNA Borneo.