The Makassar Coastal and Marine Resources Management Center (BPSPL) Kendari Working Area team, in collaboration with fisheries extension workers and local law enforcement, including the Babinsa, is conducting a thorough investigation.
This includes determining the motives and intended utilization of the dolphins by the alleged perpetrators," Doni Ismanto Darwin, Special Staff to the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries for Public Relations and Public Communication, stated when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta on Saturday.
The investigation was prompted by reports of a fisherman from Komba-Komba Village, Kabangka District, Muna Regency, suspected of slaughtering a captured dolphin.
The incident occurred on Friday, March 7. A 59-second video documenting the fisherman's actions circulated widely on WhatsApp that day.
"Field verification has confirmed the reports are accurate," Darwin stated.
He further revealed that, based on coordination with the field team, the alleged perpetrator is not affiliated with any established fishing groups in Komba-Komba Village, Kabangka District, Muna Regency.
Subsequently, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has initiated outreach to the alleged perpetrators and implemented preventive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Dolphins are protected animals under Indonesian Law Number 5 of 1990 concerning the Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and their Ecosystems, as amended by Law Number 32 of 2024.
Unauthorized exploitation of dolphins from the wild constitutes a violation of the regulation.
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Translator: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Editor: Primayanti
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