Indonesian authorities have detained a Chinese dive instructor after allegations that a protected sea turtle was speared and consumed in Raja Ampat. The suspect denies that he is the diver shown in footage circulating online.
A hawksbill turtle photographed in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Sea turtles are protected under Indonesian law. The image is illustrative and is not connected with the incident under investigation.
A Chinese national has been prevented from leaving Indonesia while authorities investigate allegations that a protected sea turtle was killed during a diving trip in Raja Ampat.
Wei Shang was detained by immigration officers at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar on 14 September as he prepared to board a flight to Kuala Lumpur. Makassar Immigration said the action followed a request from the Raja Ampat Regency Government.
The case emerged after video and photographs circulated on social media allegedly showing a diver spearfishing a sea turtle near Piaynemo in Raja Ampat, followed by images said to show a turtle prepared as food.
Investigation underway
The Meos Mansar Indigenous Community Patrol subsequently submitted a formal complaint requesting police action. Raja Ampat's deputy regent then asked immigration authorities to prevent Wei Shang from leaving Indonesia while the allegations were investigated.
Raja Ampat police have confirmed receiving a report concerning the alleged killing and consumption of a protected turtle and have begun investigating, including checking the location where the incident is believed to have occurred.
Wei Shang has denied killing a turtle and reportedly maintains that the diver seen in the circulating footage is not him. He was being transferred to Sorong for further investigation.
Authorities have described him as a diving instructor. Because the investigation remains ongoing, the allegations against him have not been established in court.
Protected species
Sea turtles receive legal protection in Indonesia. Current regulations list protected turtle species, while the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries says their capture, transport, trade or use without authorisation is prohibited.
The incident is particularly sensitive in Raja Ampat, where marine wildlife is central both to conservation and the region's dive-tourism economy. In 2025, Indonesian authorities established a conservation partnership specifically aimed at protecting turtles and their habitat in Raja Ampat and West Waigeo.
Indonesia's Director General of Immigration, Hendarsam Marantoko, has said foreign nationals who violate Indonesian law and damage protected wildlife should face appropriate sanctions.
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