01
A globally important reef
Raja Ampat sits at the heart of the Coral Triangle and holds some of the richest marine biodiversity anywhere. What happens here matters far beyond a single dive site.
A public petition to Indonesian authorities
A Hawksbill sea turtle was killed in Raja Ampat.
Footage from Piaynemo, Raja Ampat appears to show a scuba-equipped diver using a speargun in a lethal encounter with a Hawksbill sea turtle — a species listed as Critically Endangered. We are asking Indonesian authorities for a comprehensive investigation into all suspects and co-conspirators, transparent preservation of evidence, and active international coordination to ensure full accountability.
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people calling for a full investigation and prosecution
↗ Public petitionpeople calling for a full investigation and prosecution
01 · What happened
Why this petition exists
A widely circulated underwater video appears to show a scuba-equipped diver using a speargun in a lethal interaction with a Hawksbill sea turtle at Piaynemo, in the Raja Ampat area.
The footage spread quickly among divers and caused widespread concern, and the incident has since been reported to Indonesian authorities.
Parts of this case also reach beyond Indonesia. The footage is reported to have first appeared on social platforms based outside the country, the trip appears to have involved visiting divers rather than residents, and not everyone who was present has been identified. Evidence, witnesses and potential suspects may therefore sit outside Indonesian jurisdiction, which is why our requests below include international cooperation and not only a domestic investigation.
This is not only about one disturbing video. Raja Ampat holds some of the richest marine life on Earth, and incidents involving a Critically Endangered species there deserve a serious, factual response. A person associated with the incident has publicly presented SSI and AIDA diving credentials; that is relevant only because diving professionals are expected to model responsible behaviour around marine life. This petition is not an argument about any particular certification agency.
The wider point
This is bigger than one diver.
Raja Ampat and its wildlife deserve protection, the evidence deserves to be preserved and examined in full, and where harm to protected marine life is established it should carry real consequences — wherever those responsible happen to be.
02 · Why this matters
Why this matters
02
A Critically Endangered species
The Hawksbill is not merely protected, it is one step from extinction in the wild. Turtles take decades to mature, so losing a single breeding adult removes generations of future young.
03
Trust within diving
Divers are guests in these waters, and professionals in particular are expected to model responsible behaviour around marine life. The diving community should say clearly that this kind of conduct is not acceptable.
03 · What we are asking
What we are asking for
We are asking Indonesian authorities for three things.
Disclaimer:
We fully respect the judicial independence of Indonesia and do not seek to interfere with local law enforcement. We firmly believe that legal responsibility must be determined through a fair, objective, and evidence-based investigation, rather than by public speculation or trial by media. We place our full trust in the Indonesian authorities to handle this case impartially and strictly in accordance with the law.
1Exhaustive Investigation and Prosecution
We call on Indonesian authorities to explore all investigative avenues to uncover the full scope of this crime. We ask for a thorough investigation into any co-conspirators, facilitators and organized networks, and a thorough evaluation of all potential charges under Indonesian criminal law, ensuring all involved parties face appropriate prosecution.
We call on Indonesian authorities to explore all investigative avenues to uncover the full scope of this crime. We ask for a thorough investigation into any co-conspirators, facilitators and organized networks, and a thorough evaluation of all potential charges under Indonesian criminal law, ensuring all involved parties face appropriate prosecution.
2Evidence Preservation and Transparency
We ask authorities to transparently review and preserve all evidence, including physical evidence, original videos, photographs, witness information, and relevant records. Subject to Indonesian law, we request the maximum disclosure of investigative progress and outcomes to the public and the international community.
We ask authorities to transparently review and preserve all evidence, including physical evidence, original videos, photographs, witness information, and relevant records. Subject to Indonesian law, we request the maximum disclosure of investigative progress and outcomes to the public and the international community.
3International Coordination and Cooperation
Recognizing the transnational nature of this crime and the possibility of suspects or co-conspirators fleeing across borders, we call upon the Indonesian government to utilize all available international criminal cooperation frameworks. We call for active coordination with Interpol and the use of Mutual Legal Assistance treaties.
Recognizing the transnational nature of this crime and the possibility of suspects or co-conspirators fleeing across borders, we call upon the Indonesian government to utilize all available international criminal cooperation frameworks. We call for active coordination with Interpol and the use of Mutual Legal Assistance treaties.
Add your name
Protect Raja Ampat. Establish the facts. Enforce the law.
Sign to ask Indonesian authorities for a comprehensive investigation into all suspects and co-conspirators, for the evidence to be preserved transparently, and for the international coordination needed to ensure full accountability.