Jakarta, July 9 -- The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) has released 21 green sea turtles ( Chelonia mydas ) back into the waters off Bali after they were successfully rehabilitated following their rescue from an attempted wildlife smuggling operation.

KKP Director General of Marine Spatial Management Koswara said the release reflects the government's integrated conservation approach, which includes the rescue, rehabilitation, and return of protected marine species to their natural habitat.

"The ministry will continue to strengthen surveillance and collaboration to close loopholes exploited in the illegal trade of protected marine species," Koswara said in a statement received in Jakarta on Thursday.

The turtles were resc...