Sumatran Tiger Attacks Resident in Riau

The Large-Scale Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) Riau received a report from PT Satria Perkasa Agung (SPA) Serapung regarding an attack by a Sumatran tiger (Panthera Tigris Sumatrae) on a resident in the dock area of PT SPA Serapung at Teluk Village, Kuala Kampar District, Pelalawan District, Riau, on Wednesday 25 February at approximately 23:30 Western Indonesian Time. In response to the reported tiger attack, the head of BBKSDA Riau, Supartono, dispatched a team to conduct field monitoring.

Based on information gathered by the team in the field, the victim, named Kohai, had been travelling with five colleagues using a boat when they decided to dock temporarily at PT SPA Serapung’s dock since Tuesday 24 February at approximately 20:00 due to low tide conditions, whilst waiting for high tide.

“Whilst the residents were resting on the boat, a Sumatran tiger suddenly emerged from the land or bushes near the dock and directly attacked the victim on the back of the head,” Supartono stated on Friday 27 February.

The Sumatran tiger attack was witnessed by one of the victim’s companions, who immediately shouted for help. Security personnel at PT SPA Serapung’s dock post who received the information immediately went to the location to secure and evacuate the victim.

“The victim was subsequently transported using an operational vehicle to PT SPA Serapung’s First Aid Post for initial medical treatment, before being referred to Penyalai Health Centre for further treatment,” he explained.

Currently, according to Supartono, the BBKSDA Riau team, assisted by various parties, continues to monitor the Sumatran tiger at the incident location, including mitigation efforts to prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety of residents in the surrounding area.

“The public is urged to remain vigilant, avoid activities in high-risk areas at night, and immediately report to officers if they find wild animals near residential areas,” he concluded.