Sumatran Tiger Kills Worker in Pelalawan, Riau, in Second Fatal Attack in Days
Human-wildlife conflict has claimed another life in Pelalawan Regency, Riau. Just three days after a 12-year-old boy was killed by a Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), a similar incident has resulted in the death of a worker.
The Riau Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) received a report from the Wildlife Rescue Unit (WRU) regarding a tiger attack that killed a 29-year-old man named Eko Prastio. The tragic event occurred in a company’s operational area in Pelalawan Regency on Friday (10/7/2026).
Acting Head of the Riau BBKSDA, Laskar Jaya Permana, stated that based on field information, the incident is estimated to have taken place between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. Western Indonesian Time. The incident began at 7:15 p.m. when the victim excused himself from his roommate to find a phone signal. He intended to send the next day’s work agenda via the crew’s WhatsApp group.
However, by midnight, the victim had not returned to the mess. “By 12 a.m., the victim had not come back, so his roommate, along with other employees and security personnel, conducted a search around the mess,” explained Laskar on Monday (13/7/2026).
During the search at the location the victim usually used to make phone calls, the team found the victim’s belongings, including sandals and a headset. A large amount of blood and drag marks leading into the bushes were also discovered at the site. Additionally, Sumatran tiger and dog tracks were found around the area where the belongings were located.
A joint team from the Riau BBKSDA arrived at the location at 2:52 a.m. and immediately conducted an observation. They found tiger tracks measuring approximately 16 cm in length and 15 cm in width. A search was carried out using a thermal drone and halogen lamps within a 3-kilometre radius.
The victim was eventually found dead in the bushes at 6:05 a.m., approximately 650 metres from where he initially disappeared. In response to the series of incidents, the Riau BBKSDA has taken emergency measures. The agency stated it will continue to implement measured handling efforts with relevant parties, prioritising human safety as well as the conservation of the protected Sumatran tiger.