JEMBRANA, DEWATA.NEWS – A protected olive ridley sea turtle was found dead after washing ashore on Yehembang Beach in Mendoyo District, Jembrana, on Wednesday morning (April 29).
The discovery was reported by local residents at around 9:30 AM WITA. Police officers from Mendoyo Police Station responded to the report and confirmed the presence of the dead turtle at the coastal area of Banjar Pasar, Yehembang Village.
“After receiving information from coastal residents, we immediately went to the location. It is true that an olive ridley turtle was found already dead,” said Mendoyo Police Chief I Wayan Sartika.
Field identification showed the turtle was relatively large, measuring approximately 98 centimeters in length and 60 centimeters in width. Authorities noted that no visible external injuries were found on the body at the time of examination.
“There were no signs of wounds, but the turtle was already dead when found on the shoreline,” Sartika added.
Following the discovery, police coordinated with the Marine and Fisheries Management Agency (Balai PK) to determine appropriate handling procedures.
To prevent odor and potential health concerns for nearby residents, officials decided to bury the carcass near the discovery site shortly after.
“At around 9:45 AM WITA, the burial was carried out on site by officers and relevant authorities, witnessed by local residents,” Sartika said.
The incident highlights ongoing encounters between marine wildlife and coastal areas in Bali, where protected species such as olive ridley turtles are occasionally found stranded.