37yo China national, a freediving instructor, held in Indonesia over alleged turtle killing

A Chinese national who is also a freediving instructor has been transferred to Sorong for further questioning over allegations that a protected hawksbill turtle was hunted with a speargun in Raja Ampat, Indonesia.

The suspect, identified in local reports as Shang Wei (商伟), 37, was initially detained by immigration officials in Makassar while preparing to leave Indonesia for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Police in Southwest Papua said the case remains under investigation, with officers examining evidence, questioning witnesses and coordinating with relevant agencies.

Investigation continues

According to the Papua Southwest Regional Police, the alleged incident occurred between 8 and 11 September 2026 around Homestay Keruwo in the Fam Islands, Raja Ampat.

Police said Shang was reported to have hunted a hawksbill turtle, or Eretmochelys imbricata, while diving with two other people.

Initial photographs, videos and electronic information obtained by investigators allegedly show a speargun being directed towards the turtle's neck, causing its death.

Other documentation allegedly shows the turtle being taken to accommodation, where it was cooked and consumed.

The Raja Ampat police conducted a crime-scene examination in the Fam Islands from 15 September 2026. Officers also questioned several witnesses and secured evidence linked to the alleged hunting and consumption.

The Chinese national denies involvement

The man has denied being the diver shown in the footage.

"The person in the video is not me. That is a different person, please compare it with me," Shang said when questioned on Tuesday.

He said the person shown in the footage had been with him in Raja Ampat. According to Shang, they met and shared accommodation and a boat to reduce travel costs.

Shang said he had travelled alone, while the other person had arrived with another companion. He said he had not previously known either of them.

He also said they dived separately while at sea. Shang identified himself as a highly qualified diving instructor and said diving alone was permitted because he did not dive very deeply.

Shang said he did not know what the other two people did while at sea. He claimed that they later returned to the accommodation carrying a turtle.

"I told them that it was not allowed, that it was prohibited," he said.

Shang has asked to be released and assisted, maintaining that he was not the person responsible.

Immigration intervention

Immigration officials in Makassar detained Shang after the Raja Ampat regency government made an urgent request to prevent him from leaving Indonesia while the allegations were investigated.

Local reports said he was identified as an AIDA International Instructor Trainer. The case could also affect his professional diving credentials.

The Raja Ampat government submitted supporting material to immigration officials, including a patrol report, photographs, alleged spearfishing footage, material concerning the dead and cooked turtle, identification and certification documents, accommodation information and witness accounts.

Protected wildlife

Indonesian authorities protect all six sea turtle species found in the country.

Hawksbill turtles are specifically listed as protected wildlife under a 2018 Environment and Forestry Ministry regulation.

Police said investigators are applying Article 40A(1)(d) in conjunction with Article 21(2) of Law No. 32 of 2024, which amended Indonesia's conservation legislation.

Brigadier General (Police) Hengki Haryadi, head of the Papua Southwest Regional Police, said authorities would handle the case professionally and according to legal procedures.

"We are ensuring every report concerning alleged criminal acts against protected wildlife will be followed up professionally and according to legal procedures," he said on 16 September 2026.

The Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia also issued a statement on 16 September, saying Raja Ampat is Indonesia's natural heritage and should be protected collectively.

The ministry condemned the alleged hunting of turtles with a speargun and said all tourists must comply with Indonesian law and applicable conservation rules.

Raja Ampat comprises more than 1,500 islands, reefs and shoals in Indonesia's Southwest Papua province and is internationally known for its marine biodiversity and diving sites.