Man Killed by Sumatran Tiger in Pelalawan, Body Dragged 2 Kilometres

A man identified by the initials EP (29) has died after being attacked by a Sumatran tiger in Pelalawan Regency, Riau Province. The victim’s body was found after being dragged by the tiger for up to two kilometres. The incident occurred on Friday evening, 10 July 2026, when the victim, an employee of a palm oil company, was searching for mobile phone signal. “The victim first left the camp heading to a point with mobile phone network in front of the camp at around 7pm local time,” said Pelalawan Sub-Sector Police Chief Ipda Fernando Purba in a statement on Monday. However, the victim did not return, causing concern among his colleagues. Two hours later, company personnel conducted a search for the victim. The search was carried out together with other colleagues and management by combing the area around the camp. On Saturday at around 6am, bloodstains belonging to the victim were found 100 metres from the camp. The blood trail led into the forest, two kilometres from where the bloodstains were discovered. The victim’s body was eventually found at around 7am in the Grembel forest, approximately two kilometres from the victim’s initial departure point. Company management then evacuated the body to the Tasik Estate Clinic. The incident was subsequently reported to the police. Pelalawan Sub-Sector Police arrived and processed the crime scene at the location. The police are also coordinating with the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Agency regarding wildlife handling and mitigation to prevent similar incidents from recurring. “Based on the initial crime scene investigation, it is suspected that the victim was attacked by a Sumatran tiger while in a quiet area with minimal lighting,” he said. The victim’s body has been handed over to the family and contractor to be taken to the funeral home in Kampar Kiri for burial. Police have urged the public to be cautious when carrying out activities, especially at night.