By: Aulia Gusti Kinasih (Marine Buddies Surabaya Community)

The sea turtle, a large, long-lived, and seemingly invisible marine reptile can be described as a walking message that was left to swim in the open ocean by God for humans to think about what it was created for. In December 2016 during the Merubetiri Fun Trip with Marine Buddies Surabaya (Marbud Surabaya), Dwi Suprapti - WWF's Marine Species Coordinator - shared that every inch of a sea turtle's body leaves a message. "When the turtle lies dead, humans can study and identify the cause of the turtle's death. Is it due to natural factors, namely plate movements on the seabed that have the potential for tsunamis, or is it due to anthropogenic factors in the form of poaching, massive utilization or because of the large amount of plastic waste eaten by the turtle so that the chemicals contained in the plastic absorb and have an adverse effect on the turtle's body, "explained Dwi.

As a form of concern for sea turtle conservation, Marbud Surabaya Community visited SD Muhammadiyah 16 to share experiences and interesting facts about sea turtles after the 2016 Merubetiri Fun Trip. A total of 50 4th grade students were enthusiastic and orderly when our friends from Marbud Surabaya Community told them about the life cycle of sea turtles, their habitat, food types and the potential extinction that sea turtles are currently experiencing. Initially, they thought that sea turtles are turtles that live in rivers. However, after further explanation using pictures, the students understood. The students were also invited to think what would happen if sea turtles were no longer found in the sea.

In addition, they were also taught not to litter as a form of love for wildlife. Accompanied by the teacher, the students did not hesitate to ask questions about the important role of sea turtles and environmental conditions in the sea. The questions that came from the students immediately aroused the enthusiasm of the Marbud Surabaya Community friends to tell more stories.

In addition to being inspired by the enthusiasm that has been shared by Dwi Suprapti, Marbud Surabaya Community friends also believe that turtle conservation activities are not only a matter of guarding turtles to continue to breed, but also passing on knowledge to the younger generation of the nation's successors. Because as an ancient animal, sea turtles need to be preserved, including problems related to the decline in sea turtle populations that need to be minimized. We must believe that seeds planted early and well cared for will give rise to golden quality seedlings. May every good step taken by the Marbud Surabaya Community be a reminder of how important it is to protect sea turtles with the golden generation, the students of SD Muhammadiyah 16.