Sand-free incubation innovation saves thousands of turtle hatchlings in Banyuwangi

In Banyuwangi, East Java, a groundbreaking innovation is significantly boosting the survival rates of endangered olive ridley turtles. The Banyuwangi Sea Turtle Foundation (BSTF) has developed and implemented a sand-free artificial incubation method, dubbed 'Intan Ruang,' which is proving far more effective than traditional nesting on sand.

This novel approach has demonstrated an impressive average hatching success rate of 85 percent. This marks a substantial improvement compared to the semi-natural method of incubating eggs in the sand, which typically yields a success rate of around 50 percent. The 'Intan Ruang' method involves carefully controlled artificial incubation environments, ensuring optimal conditions for the developing turtle embryos.

Since the start of the nesting season in April and continuing through July 2026, BSTF has been actively working to protect vulnerable turtle nests. They have successfully secured 206 nests, which contained an estimated 20,000 olive ridley turtle eggs, from various beaches in the Banyuwangi region. Of these protected nests, 20 were specifically chosen to undergo the 'Intan Ruang' incubation process.

The foundation views this innovative method as a crucial step in enhancing sea turtle conservation efforts. By significantly increasing the number of hatchlings that successfully emerge, BSTF aims to bolster the population of olive ridley turtles and contribute to the broader preservation of marine wildlife in Indonesia, a species that is currently protected.