A Royal Moment for Turtle Conservation on Gili Meno

A Royal Moment for Turtle Conservation on Gili Meno
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden Shines a Light on Turtle Conservation and the Future of Our Gili Islands

There are moments that make us especially proud of what we are working to protect here in Lombok.
On Sunday, 6 September 2026, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden visited beautiful Gili Meno as part of her visit to Indonesia in her role as Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
For me, one moment was particularly meaningful: seeing Crown Princess Victoria take part in the release of baby sea turtles into the ocean.

As Founder of The Lombok Lodge Turtle Conservation Program, I could not have been prouder to see this beautiful Princess on our island, giving her attention and support to a cause that is so very close to our hearts.

A Royal Turtle Release

Accompanied by NTB Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, Crown Princess Victoria visited Gili Meno to discover firsthand how local communities are working to protect the marine ecosystem while developing a sustainable blue economy.

Her visit included a turtle conservation sanctuary, coral reef conservation and transplantation initiatives, and the very special experience of releasing baby sea turtles – tukik – into the sea.

Watching a tiny turtle begin its journey across the sand and disappear into the ocean is something that never loses its magic.
But behind that beautiful moment lies a much bigger purpose.

Every turtle released represents hope for the future of our oceans – and a reminder of our responsibility to protect the extraordinary natural environment we have been given.

“ … This Place Is Extraordinarily Beautiful … ”

During her time on Gili Meno, Crown Princess Victoria expressed how impressed she was by both the beauty of the island and the conservation work being carried out by the community.

“I am very impressed by everything that is being done here. This place is very beautiful – extraordinarily beautiful.”
Read more about Princess Victoria in Lombok and Gili Meno

Her words mean a great deal.
Because those of us fortunate enough to call Lombok and the Gili Islands home know that this beauty cannot simply be taken for granted. It needs to be protected.

Crown Princess Victoria also thanked the community for setting an example and expressed her hope that the positive initiatives she witnessed on Gili Meno could be developed and replicated elsewhere.

For everyone involved in conservation on our islands, this international recognition is something of which we can be immensely proud.

The Ocean Is Our Future

The Crown Princess’s visit was not only about turtle conservation.
She also learned about coral reef rehabilitation, mangrove planting, marine monitoring, environmental education, waste management and community initiatives.

Local women are contributing to the circular economy by transforming plastic waste and discarded bottles into souvenirs and creative products with economic value. She also learned how deeply the livelihoods of the Gili Meno community are connected to the ocean — through fishing, tourism, trade and small local businesses.
This is what the blue economy really means to us.
The sea is not simply something beautiful for our visitors to enjoy. It provides livelihoods, sustains communities and supports an extraordinary marine ecosystem.
Our challenge is to allow tourism and our local economy to prosper while ensuring that the very environment on which they depend is protected.

Our Mission at The Lombok Lodge Hospitality®

This philosophy is also at the heart of The Lombok Lodge Hospitality® Turtle Conservation Program. Our mission is not simply to release turtles. It is to contribute to a much larger movement of awareness, education and protection.
Conservation cannot belong to one hotel, one organisation or one island. It requires local communities, fishermen, conservation teams, government, visitors and the hospitality industry to work together.

And importantly, it requires the next generation to understand why these beautiful creatures and their habitats deserve our protection.
Every turtle matters.
Every healthy coral reef matters.
Every piece of plastic prevented from entering our ocean matters.
And every person who returns home from Lombok with a greater understanding of marine conservation becomes part of that story.

A Sustainable Gili Meno

The ambition of the local community is for Gili Meno to continue developing as a sustainable island – a place where tourism and economic opportunity can grow without sacrificing its extraordinary natural environment. That balance is essential.
Waste management, the carrying capacity of our small islands, coral reef health and the protection of marine ecosystems will continue to require attention, investment and cooperation. This is why visits such as that of Crown Princess Victoria are important. They bring international attention to initiatives that begin at a very local level.

A baby turtle making its way into the sea on a tiny Indonesian island may seem like a small moment.
But the message behind it can travel around the world.

So Proud to Welcome a Princess Who Cares

For me personally, this was a very special day. I am so proud to have Crown Princess Victoria with us on our beautiful Gili Islands, supporting turtle conservation and shining an international light on the work being done to protect our oceans. Her presence reminds us that conservation connects us far beyond the shores of Lombok. From Sweden to Indonesia, from international organisations to local island communities, we share one ocean and one responsibility to protect it.

On behalf of The Lombok Lodge Turtle Conservation Program, I extend my deepest appreciation to Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria for her genuine interest in our marine environment and for helping bring greater awareness to the protection of sea turtles and the fragile ecosystems of our Gili Islands.

May every little turtle that makes its way from our beaches into the ocean carry a message with it:

Protect what is precious. Respect our oceans. Preserve the beauty of our islands.
And leave something extraordinary for the generations that follow us.

With love and pride from Lombok and the Gili Islands

Read more about Princess Victoria’s visit to Gili Meno > 

Read about Crown Princess Victoria praising Karang Bajo’s environmental wisdom in Lombok > 

Ibu Antje

I’m Anja, Co-Founder and Owner of The Lombok Lodge Hospitality® together with my husband, Ben. With over 15 years of experience in luxury hospitality, I am passionate about creating meaningful and bespoke travel experiences across the breathtaking island of Lombok and the Gili Islands in Indonesia. My passion for Lombok comes from the island’s breathtaking beauty, its rich traditions, and the warmth of its people. It inspires me every day to share this special place with others by creating meaningful and memorable experiences that allow guests to truly feel the spirit of Lombok and the Gili Islands. Follow my daily life in Lombok & Gili - and more things I adore - on Instagram @ibu.antje

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