Jakarta Post 12 Dec 09;
DENPASAR: The Forestry Ministry is considering a controversial proposal by the Bali provincial administration to approve the slaughter of 1,000 turtles per year for religious ceremonies, an official said Monday.
"We're still considering the request," Minister Zulkifli Hasan said at a ceremony to declare a forest conservation zone in Denpasar.
The request, first proposed in September, has sparked controversy from the public since the practice is considered inhumane.
"I think we can find a suitable compromise by increasing turtle breeding to fulfill the quota," Zulkifli said.
Governor Made Mangku Pastika said the administration put forth the proposal on behalf of community leaders. The administration is seeking a quota of 1,000 turtles per year based on the number of customary villages (banjar) in Bali, which number more than 1,000.
Pastika said he would ensure the administration closely supervised the turtle supply to avoid any abuses. - JP
