Denpasar, In the City

Serangan, Back to Become Turtle Island

Serangan Island is situated in Southern Denpasar sub district, some 15 km south of Denpasar or 3 km from Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai. A long time ago, this island was known as turtle island since the 485 hectares was frequently called upon by turtles to lay their eggs.

However, since the project of Bali Turtle Island Development (BTID) that carried out beach reclamation on the island made the turtles leave for other places it can be said that the turtles have gone endemic.
To bring back the habitat of turtles to the island, 80 public figures of Serangan Island under support of the World Wild Fund for Nature (WWF) and Regional Environmental Impact Management Agency (Bapedalda Bali), established a Turtle Center.
According to Wayan Geria, Head of Turtle Center, by this project at Serangan Island it’s expected that the turtles will return again stating that the turtles would be well looked after, then released to their original habitat, namely the open sea. There are also turtles that are prepared for religious ceremonial needs. “For the latter, there should be an obvious mechanism,” he said while adding that the culling of turtles for religious ceremonies was usually used for exorcism rites that compelled the turtle to be used.
The Turtle Center is established on land of 2.4 hectares and located at Ponjok, east of Serangan Island. “Physical development of the Turtle Center is forecast to spend some IDR 400 to 500 millions. If the WWF and Bapedalda Bali execute the clearance of their grant next year, this program will be realized,” he said.
“This Turtle Center project,” Geria expected,” can give influence to the cultural and educational aspects for the Balinese community in order to preserve the species. Turtle Center will focus on three elements, namely educational, ecological (conservation) and economic aspects. All are built in a complex displaying 4 to 5 species.”
The existence of the Turtle Center at Serangan Island will become an eco-friendly tourist object. This ambience is supported by the fascination of spreading mangrove forests and some 36 kinds of coastal birds.
It was also explained that the Turtle Center is technically furnished with ten receptacles to contain turtles that will be rehabilitated. Then, there is also room for research and diorama that carries information on what and how turtles lays their eggs until they proliferate.
In addition a wantilan hall will be constructed for recreation purposes. The first phase has been completed with an office building and receptacles for turtles along with their hatchlings. The completion of this project is expected in June-August this year. While, the wantilan, toilet, canteen, park and parking lot will be started at the beginning of June with funds taken from the village,” he added.
Cooperation has also been made with Alas Purwo and Meru Betiri National Park in East Java. Both national parks are known as turtle conservation areas in Indonesia. “They are willing to permit their turtles to be looked after at this Turtle Center,” said Geria while adding that WWF Indonesia had also agreed to grant funds amounting to IDR 100 millions, while Bapedalda Bali has allocated IDR 149 millions for this program. (BTN/015)