Antara News·Indonesia·Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 05:47 PM UTC

Police foils illegal trade of protected mobula ray species in Bali

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Rolandus N/Gembong I, Nabil Ihsan

Jembrana, Bali (ANTARA) - Jembrana District Police in Bali have unraveled a suspected illegal trade of protected mobula ray species during a recent raid in Pengambengan Village.

"We have seized 11 mobula rays as evidence from an individual, identified with the initial M, in Pengambengan Village," Jembrana Police's Marine and Air Unit Chief First Inspector I Gede Ketut Suasnawa said on Saturday.

He said that during the raid on Friday (Oct. 9), police officers stopped M, who was passing through the Munduk Hamlet. From M, they found 11 mobula ray individuals who had been cut into pieces in a cart that he pulled with his motorcycle.

As the probe progresses, the police will investigate other parties involved in the illegal trade, including those catching, selling, buying, and transporting the protected species.

"We will handle the case professionally according to prevailing laws and take action against all individuals involved," he added.

To support the probe, the Jembrana Police is coordinating with the Coast and Marine Resources Management Office (BPSPL) and Jaringan Satwa Indonesia (JSI), an animal rights organization, which confirmed that mobula rays are protected species.

Meanwhile, Jembrana Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Cherry Simamora encouraged residents to prevent illegal trade of protected species in their regions.

"We encourage residents, especially those active in coastal areas, to protect the marine environment together and not catch, transport, or trade protected species, which amounts to law violations," Simamora said.

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