Man’s Skeleton Found by Birdwatcher in Pajangan, Bantul

A human skeleton believed to be male has been found on a plot of land in Kembangputihan, Guwosari, Pajangan, Bantul. Police are investigating the discovery and awaiting the results of a forensic examination.

“Correct, a human skeleton was found on land in Kembangputihan, Pajangan,” Bantul Police public relations chief Iptu Rita Hidayanto told reporters by phone on Tuesday (20 October 2026).

Rita said the discovery began when a resident was looking for birds on the land at around 1pm on Monday (19 October). The resident then saw a large number of birds flying away from one spot.

“Curious, the witness went towards the location. On arriving, they instead found a human skeleton lying on the ground,” she said.

The witness immediately reported the incident to Pajangan Police Station. Police and medical personnel went to the scene in response.

“When they arrived, the body was already severely decomposed. An initial examination suggested the person had died around four to five months earlier,” she said.

The bones were found to be relatively complete, although some parts of the body still had decomposing tissue and skin. An external examination also showed that the person’s hair had become sparse.

“Examination of the teeth found one missing upper tooth and one missing tooth on the lower left. Based on the shape of the pelvis and other physical characteristics, the person is believed to be male,” she said.

However, Rita said further examination by a forensic doctor was needed to confirm the person’s identity and sex. Officers also found several items near the skeleton, including a Honda motorbike key, a gas lighter, black shorts and a black T-shirt.

“The identity of the person has not yet been established. Their fingerprints cannot be identified because they have dried out,” she said.

The remains were taken by Bantul PMI ambulance to Bhayangkara Hospital, under the Yogyakarta Regional Police, for forensic examination. Police have also received information about a resident in Watugedug, Guwosari, who has not returned home.

“However, the family members who have seen the remains cannot yet confirm whether the discovery is connected to the relative they are looking for. We urge anyone who has a missing family member to contact the police to help with the identification process,” she said.