The success of Dugong Rescue in Cempedak Island Waters, This Is The Story!
A female dugong named “Fitri ‘ was rescued after accidentally becoming entangled in fishermen’s nets in the waters of Cempedak Island, Kendawangan Kiri district, Ketapang Regency, on Friday, January 31, 2025.
This rescue was carried out thanks to a quick report from a fisherman named Supardi, who immediately informed the relevant authorities about the incident. The swift response of the joint team also allowed the evacuation and rescue process to run smoothly.
What is the story of the rescue of this marine mammal? Check out the full story below!
Fishermen and Quick Response joint team
Dugongs are one of the marine mammals that are protected as their population continues to decline. Threats to this species come from a variety of factors, such as poaching, habitat destruction, and other human activities at sea.
Therefore, the rescue of dugong ‘Fitri’ becomes an important moment in supporting marine wildlife conservation efforts in Indonesia.
Supardi, the fisherman who first found the dugong entangled in his net, immediately reported the find to the authorities and the tourist Awareness Group (Pokdarwis).
This report was then followed up by a joint team consisting of Yayasan Initiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI), Yayasan WeBe Ketapang, Lanal Kendawangan, and Pokdarwis cempedak Jaya.
Upon arrival at the location, the team immediately carried out the evacuation process with an approach that prioritizes animal safety. Dugongs caught in nets are at risk of severe stress (shock) or serious injury if not treated carefully.
After being successfully released “ ‘Fitri’ was then transferred to a safer area to undergo a medical examination by experts. This process is important to ensure their physical condition before deciding whether the dugong is fit to be released back to its natural habitat.
Medical examination “Fitri’: the Dugong that was again rescued
To ensure health conditions before being returned to the sea, the female dugong named “Fitri” underwent a thorough examination by a veterinarian from the Indonesian rehabilitation nature initiation Foundation (YIARI), drh. Fina Fadiah.
The results of the examination showed Fitri was in good enough condition and did not suffer serious injuries that threatened his safety. Interestingly, from the results of physical identification and data matching, it is known that this is not the first time Fitri was rescued.
“Based on the examination, this dugong is an individual that we have dealt with in April 2024. The fact that it reappears in the waters of Cempedak Island shows that this area is still an important habitat that we must continue to protect,” explained drh. Fina.
Since there was no indication of illness or injury that required follow-up care, the team decided that Fitri was fit to be immediately released into his natural habitat.
Release of ‘Fitri’: efforts in Dugong Conservation
After being declared in stable condition, Fitri was returned to his natural habitat on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 13.00 WIB. The release process is done carefully to minimize stress on the animal.
Fitri appears to swim slowly away from the shore towards the open waters, marking his successful return to a safer environment.
This release is a concrete proof of the success of cross-sector collaboration in conservation efforts for protected marine mammals. Chairman of the Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) Cempedak Jaya, Hartono, expressed his gratitude for the smooth running of this activity.
“Today we managed to release the dugong in good health. We are very grateful to YIARI, WeBe Ketapang Foundation, Lanal Ketapang, as well as the Acting Head of Kedawang Kiri village for their support. This moment is really valuable for us,” he said.
In line with that, Apriliyanto, Nintara Pembina Potensi Maritim (Babinpotmar) Pos TNI AL Kendawangan, also expressed appreciation for the synergy between the rescue team and the community.
“We would like to thank all residents of Kampung Nusantara Pulau cempedak. Their support was instrumental in the success of this release,” he said.
The release of Dugong Fitri not only marks the success of a rescue mission, but also a symbol of hope that with cooperation and concern, the preservation of marine animals can continue to be realized. Such efforts are an important step in maintaining the sustainability of Indonesia’s marine ecosystem for future generations.
The role of society in protecting dugongs
The rescue of dugong ‘Fitri’ is an important reminder of the urgency to maintain the marine ecosystem in a sustainable manner. Dugong is a protected species because it has a vital role in maintaining the balance of the seagrass ecosystem—a shallow marine habitat that is its main source of food.
If the dugong population decreases dramatically, the balance of the seagrass ecosystem will be disturbed, and this can affect the survival of other marine biota.
Sawalludin, a local fisheries extension worker, stressed the importance of active involvement of fishermen in dugong conservation efforts. He urged coastal communities to immediately report if they find dugongs trapped in nets.
“We urge the public to immediately report when they find dugongs caught in nets. If it is still alive, prompt treatment is necessary to save it. However, if it is dead, handling must still be done in accordance with applicable procedures,” he explained.
What Supardi did—fishermen who swiftly reported when they found dugongs entangled-is a clear example of the positive impact of public awareness and concern. Active involvement of coastal residents is needed so that dugongs, as a species that is vulnerable to extinction, can still live and breed in their natural habitat.
Hope ahead for Dugong Conservation
The successful rescue of the dugong “Fitri” proves the preservation of endangered marine species is still very possible, provided there is strong cooperation between the community, conservation organizations, and the government.
Even so, there are still many challenges to be faced. One of them is the lack of education on how to handle dugongs trapped in nets and the weak protection of their natural habitat from human activities such as seagrass destruction and marine pollution.
The awareness of coastal communities to act quickly when they see dugongs in danger shows that communities play an important role in conservation efforts. Therefore, a long-term commitment is needed to maintain marine ecosystems, both through reducing activities that damage the environment and through supporting conservation programs that have been implemented.
Let’s take care of our oceans together, so that they remain a safe home for dugongs and various other living things that depend on the preservation of the sea!