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Known to have been living in the open sea since hundred million of years ago, turtle is believed to be a symbol of eternity. Unfortunately population of sea turtle is continuously decreasing for various reasons including excessive hunting, destroyed habitat, and coastal pollution. Currently there are a few groups remain survive. However without sufficient protection the remaining survivors will surely get exterminated.
In concern to one of the oldest treasure of natural biodiversity the Faculty of Veterinary at Udayana University in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Indonesia, Alas Purwo National Park, Meru Betiri National Park, and Bali Turtle Conservation and Education Center is conducting technical training for turtle conservation in Indonesia which has just started on Saturday (November 22nd). The event held at Turtle Conservation Center on Serangan Island - near Sanur beach - presented a number of resource persons and will also include a field inspection.

National Coordinator of Turtle Conservation Program of WWF Indonesia Creusa Hitipeuw accompanied by the Chairman of the Organizing Committee Dr. drh. IGB Trilaksana, M.Kes. interviewed in the event explained that the training is intended to give sufficient knowledge on the proper techniques in conservation and protection of the nearly-exterminated species.

Creusa explained that living attitude of sea turtle which spends most of their life time in the open sea is actually facing enormous threats to survive, in addition to human behavior especially those who hunt sea turtle for living. Therefore he believes that proper conservation method is essential to prevent extermination of the sea turtle. “The government has issued many regulations, unfortunately maximum result has not yet to come,” said Creusa.

Indonesia has six out of the only seven surviving sea turtle species in the world. Two species locally known as penyu hijau and penyu sisik are in sufficient population. Other four locally known as penyu sisik semu, penyu tempayan, penyu pipih, and penyu belimbing are getting rarely found for decreasing population.