Turtle Eggs and Tradition in West Sumbawa
“Gentlemen present in the room have you ever eaten turtle eggs?” With this question, Musyafirin, the head of West Sumbawa district in Indonesia’s West Nusa Tenggara province, lightened the mood before a meeting with regional fisheries officials. His remark, met with laughter, quickly gave way to a serious discussion about turtle conservation and the cultural attachment to turtle eggs.
A Leader’s Personal Reflection
Musyafirin, elected in 2016 to govern a district of around 150,000 people, shared memories of childhood sailing trips along the coastline in search of turtles. Yet what once symbolized abundance is now a pressing concern. The focus of the meeting was clear—how to reconcile long-standing traditions with the need to protect endangered sea turtles.
Turtle Eggs as a Status Symbol
In West Sumbawa, turtle eggs are more than food; they carry social and cultural weight. Considered more valuable than chicken or duck eggs, they are seen as a luxury and a mark of honor for guests. In communities driven by agriculture, fisheries, and mining, offering turtle eggs is a proud gesture of hospitality.
When government officials visit, locals rush to present turtle eggs as a tribute. As Musyafirin admitted, “We are treated to them the moment we arrive.” This entrenched practice highlights the cultural challenge of shifting consumption habits.
The Ecological Stakes
The waters of West Sumbawa are home to five of the world’s seven sea turtle species. These marine creatures play vital roles in the ecosystem, including regulating seagrass beds and maintaining healthy coastal environments. However, all seven species globally are threatened, with some at risk of extinction. The destruction of nests for the illegal wildlife trade is devastating—estimates in some regions show as many as 90% of nests being plundered.
Fieldwork to Shift Behaviors
The cultural and economic reliance on turtle eggs complicates conservation efforts. A day after the district-level meeting, the head of the fisheries department, Amin Sudiono, traveled two hours south to Sekongkang, a coastal ward popular among surfers. His mission was not enforcement but dialogue—an attempt to spark gradual change in community behavior.
Direct Community Engagement
Amin emphasized the importance of meeting people face-to-face. “We are going to approach everyone directly,” he explained as officials spread out across three nearby communities. Their strategy was rooted in listening, building trust, and understanding the local dependence on turtle eggs before proposing alternatives.
The Challenge Ahead
West Sumbawa’s story reflects a broader tension across the globe: the collision of tradition, livelihood, and conservation. For many communities, turtle eggs symbolize generosity and status. For conservationists, they represent a fragile species on the brink. Bridging these perspectives requires patience, dialogue, and solutions that respect both culture and biodiversity.
