Crocodile breeding pond wall collapses on Bulan Island, Batam, 13 crocodiles recaptured

INDONESIA: The collapse of a crocodile breeding pond wall on Bulan Island, Batam City, has caused several crocodiles to escape, prompting public concern and calls for accountability. The incident, which occurred on Monday (13 Jan), involved PT Perkasa Jagat Karunia (PJK), the company managing the facility. Tommy Steven Sinambela, Head of the Conservation Section for Batam Region II at the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Centre, confirmed the breach, stating, "The embankment wall collapsed at two points, each roughly 70 metres long." The damage was discovered by two security officers after completing their patrol. "The breach was immediately reported to the company’s manager, who then notified the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Centre and the Bulang Police," Sinambela explained. Authorities believe the collapse was caused by three consecutive days of heavy rain, which led to excessive water levels and flooding. "The flooding overwhelmed the pond’s circulation system and contributed to the collapse," Sinambela noted. In response, the breeding facility has implemented security measures to prevent further escapes. "We have taken immediate security measures to prevent the crocodiles from escaping," Sinambela confirmed.

Crocodile Recapture Efforts

The breeding facility, which houses over 800 crocodiles, predominantly of the phosphorus species, farms them for their skin, which is then exported internationally. Initial reports suggested that around five crocodiles had escaped, but by 17 January, 13 crocodiles had been recaptured. These crocodiles were found in mangrove areas and rivers on Mengkadah Island, Raya River, Paku Bay, and Lokan River. “Last night, we caught the 13th crocodile in Lokan River, using our own method,” said Wak Lan, a local fisherman from Buluh Island, on Friday (17 Jan). Fishermen from six surrounding villages in Bulang District worked together in the search for the escaped reptiles, which had been sighted in areas where they typically fish for prawns and crabs. They have been unable to fish due to safety concerns.  "We have not gone to sea, only patrolling,” Wak Lan added. The fishermen are now calling on the Batam City Government to intervene and hold the company responsible for the losses they have faced. "Every time we capture a crocodile, we contact the company to take it, but when we try to discuss it with them, they are indifferent. We hope the government will intervene because we have been afraid to go out to sea for almost a week," Wak Lan said.

Residents Demand Clarity

Residents have also voiced their frustration with the management of the breeding facility. They criticise the company's lack of transparency regarding the number of crocodiles that escaped, with some accusing the company of negligence. "We need the company to provide accurate information. There’s no way they don’t have data on the size of the pond or how many crocodiles are produced each year," one local said. Another added, "This wasn’t just a misfortune; there was negligence involved." Karim, a resident of Bulan Island, expressed concern over the ongoing impact on local fishermen. "Since this incident, we’ve been very worried about going out," he said. Some residents have even refused to go to sea, fearing for their safety. "We are almost losing our livelihoods, especially for the fishermen who are afraid," Karim added. He hopes that both the company and the government will provide clear information to ease the community’s fears. "We need food, and our source of income is the sea. If we’re constantly afraid, what will happen to our families?" he asked.

Regional House of Representatives Urges Accountability from Crocodile Facility

In response to the incident, Aweng Kurniawan, Deputy Chairman of the Batam Regional House of Representatives, has called for the company to take responsibility for the escape. He also demanded that the company provide a definitive answer regarding the number of crocodiles that had escaped. “We also demand that the company immediately improve security measures to ensure the safety of the public,” Aweng said on Thursday (16 Jan). Aweng emphasised that the safety of residents must be the top priority and called on the company to address any potential impact on the community. “This incident is receiving serious attention from the Batam Regional House of Representatives, which is committed to overseeing the resolution of the issue to prevent similar events in the future,” he concluded.