Tracking Sea Cucumber Thieves to “Jakarta Two”

Kompas/Fransiskus Pati Herin

A man grills teripang (sea cucumbers) to reduce the water content, as seen in Ngolin Island, West Maluku Tenggara regency, Maluku, on Friday (25/8). The price of teripang now ranges from Rp 245,000 (US$18.35) to Rp 1.8 million per kilogram.

After visiting three islands by motorboat, Devi Paulus Lopulalan arrived at Tatunarwatu Island, West Maluku Tenggara regency, Maluku, at dusk on Saturday (26/8). Several dark-skinned, muscled and tall men stared at the reverend, who stepped up to the crowd of people.

Devi’s presence disrupted the crowd. He did not care. He gestured to an older man to follow him. Elat, 59, walked behind Devi as the muscled men stared at them until they walked behind a wooden hut.