Chinese tourist arrested after allegedly killing, eating sea turtle in Indonesia

A Chinese tourist is under investigation after allegedly spearing and eating a protected sea turtle in Indonesia.

Videos and photos of his actions had circulated online, sparking a police probe.

The suspect, identified as Wilson Shang, was detained on Monday (Sept 14) at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport while preparing to board a flight to Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur, Indonesian media reported.

The man had spent five days in the well-known marine sanctuary Raja Ampat and worked as a diving instructor, Indonesian immigration authorities said.

The incident is believed to have taken place between Sept 8 and Sept 11 near the Fam Islands, where Shang was filmed diving with a speargun alongside two companions. 

"The police have obtained electronic evidence and documents, including video footage allegedly showing the turtle hunt and photographs depicting activities after the animal was allegedly cooked and consumed," said a local police spokesperson.

Antara reported that a joint diving team and forensic investigators are conducting underwater searches and examining physical evidence at the scene.

Officers are coordinating with immigration officials while questioning witnesses and experts, the police spokesperson added.

Under Indonesia's updated 2024 Natural Resources Conservation Law, an offender may face severe penalties for harvesting protected wildlife.

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helmy.saat@asiaone.com