Four Arrested for Killing Tapir That Went Viral on Sumatra Highway, Two at Large

Police have arrested four individuals for the killing of a tapir that went viral after appearing on the Jalan Lintas Sumatera (Jalinsum) in Mesuji Regency, Lampung. Two other perpetrators are still being pursued.

The suspects have been identified as Ketut Suwarne (50), Wayan Supatre (30), Tri Suharyanto (45), and Made Putra (43). Mesuji Police Chief AKBP Muhammad Firdaus confirmed the arrests, stating the suspects were apprehended in the early hours of the morning.

“That’s correct, they have been caught. We secured four people last night,” he said.

Firdaus explained that in addition to arresting the suspects, officers seized evidence including severed parts of the tapir, a machete, and a spear.

“The evidence includes pieces of meat and a spear,” he stated.

Firdaus noted that his team is still pursuing the other perpetrators who were recorded in a video following the killing of the animal. He confirmed the two additional suspects are now fugitives.