Man in Kupang Dies One Day After Falling from Areca Palm Tree
Man named Yonatan Aleut (46) was reported dead after falling from an areca palm tree in Dusun 04, Oelfatu Village, Amfoang Barat Laut Subdistrict, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Sunday (31/5/2026).
“The incident occurred yesterday around 3:00 PM WITA. According to the Bhabinkamtibmas, the victim died earlier today,” said Amfoang Utara Police Chief AKP Inacio Ximenes to detikBali on Monday (1/6/2026).
Inacio explained that the incident began when Yonatan, along with two companions, Yohanis Nakmofa and Yohanis Taemnanu, were collecting boards to take to GMIT Ora Et Labora Oenolok Church.
During the journey, Yonatan suggested stopping briefly to harvest areca nuts from a local resident’s tree, Heslim Tamelab. Yonatan then took a gewang rope and connected it to about four metres in length.
He then began climbing the dry-leaved palm tree with the aim of using the rope to hook the areca palm tree he intended to harvest from.
“Because the areca palm tree the victim wanted to harvest from had a too-thin trunk, he chose to climb the one with dry leaves,” Inacio explained.
After climbing approximately 12 metres, Inacio stated, the palm tree suddenly fell along with Yonatan. Upon hitting the ground, Yonatan was lying face down and unconscious.
Seeing this, Yohanis Taemnanu immediately called the family to inform them. At that time, Yonatan was still breathing but unresponsive when called. The family then carried him home.
Upon receiving the information, Soliu Police Post Commander Aipda Johanis Garets Lerrik and Bhabinkamtibmas Oelfatu Village Senior Sergeant Elia Letde immediately ordered medical personnel to collect Yonatan and take him to Soliu Health Centre for treatment.
After receiving medical treatment, Yonatan remained unconscious due to suspected severe head injuries and bleeding.
The medical staff recommended transferring him to Kupang for further care, but the family requested time to consult. Before the transfer could be arranged, Yonatan died on Monday afternoon.
“The areca palm tree was approximately 17 metres tall, in a dry state with rotting roots, making it unable to support weight,” Inacio concluded.