A video showing the hunting of sea turtles, a protected species, in a marine conservation area in Indonesia famous for its beautiful underwater scenery has sparked controversy.

In the waters of Raja Ampat, Indonesia, a diver swimming through the blue sea suddenly aims a speargun at a sea turtle near a coral reef.

The person in the video is known to be a Chinese national.

Along with the footage appearing to show him shooting a spear at the turtle, he reportedly uploaded photos to social media suggesting that the turtle was cooked and served on a dining table.

Local authorities detained him on the 14th at Makassar Airport in Indonesia as he attempted to leave the country.

Reports indicate that he is denying the charges, claiming that the person in the video is not him.

Raja Ampat in Indonesia is a conservation area inhabited by diverse marine life, and all species of sea turtles there are protected.

(Photo Source: X @Netizen_bawel, @Humaspoldapbd)