Sumatran Tiger Attacks Heavy Equipment Worker in Siak, Riau

The Riau Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) has reported a negative interaction incident between a Sumatran Tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) and a heavy equipment worker in Siak Regency, Riau. The incident befell Hari Harianto, 31, in the Sungai Belat area, Teluk Lanus Village, on Tuesday (21/7).

Head of the Region II Conservation Division, Hermanto Siallagan, revealed that the incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. local time. At the time, the victim and two colleagues were resting at their work camp after completing their daily activities.

The incident began when the victim left the camp to go to the edge of a nearby canal to relieve himself. However, the situation turned tense just minutes later.

“About 10 minutes after the victim left the camp, his colleague heard him shouting for help,” Hermanto said on Wednesday (22/7).

Upon hearing the screams, the two colleagues immediately left the camp to find the source of the sound. In the rescue attempt, one of the colleagues took the initiative to climb onto a heavy equipment vehicle parked at the location.

“The victim’s colleague started the engine and turned on all the lights. The light beam was directed at the location believed to be the source of the victim’s screams,” Hermanto explained.

The quick action proved effective. The bright light from the heavy equipment is thought to have disturbed the protected animal. The Sumatran tiger eventually released the victim and retreated into the forest.

After the situation was deemed safe, the victim’s colleagues immediately carried out an evacuation. Hari Harianto was rushed to the Teluk Lanus Auxiliary Health Centre for first aid before being referred to Siak General Hospital for further medical treatment.

Following the report, the Riau BBKSDA has deployed a team to coordinate with the Sungai Apit District authorities and local law enforcement. The team will conduct checks and intensive monitoring at the incident site.

“BBKSDA Riau urges the public to remain vigilant, avoid solitary activities in areas that are potential wildlife crossings, especially during the late afternoon and evening hours,” Hermanto concluded. The public is also asked to report immediately to officers if they find indications of wildlife presence near residential or work areas.