Crocodile attacks in Indonesia
In Indonesia, crocodile attacks are increasing. Last year, there were 180 crocodile attacks and 92 people died. Indonesia has the most crocodile attacks in the world. Between 2013-2023, there have been over 1,000 attacks and 486 deaths.
Why are there more crocodile attacks?
In West Sulawesi, people say oil palm plantations are causing more crocodile attacks. These plantations started 12 years ago. Companies made artificial waterways to connect them to the rivers. Crocodiles use these waterways to reach fish and shrimp ponds near people’s homes.
In Bangka, there is a lot of illegal tin mining. This destroys forests and pushes crocodiles closer to people. Mining also makes rivers dirty and slow. This hurts coral reefs and reduces crabs and shrimp, which are crocodiles' main food. With less food, crocodiles look for other food and attack people.
What are people doing?
Saltwater crocodiles are the biggest reptiles. They are protected in Indonesia, so people cannot hunt them freely. In some places, people catch and move crocodiles to farms away from humans. The government helps by giving money for these farms.
In Bangka, people do not want to move crocodiles. They believe it brings bad luck. When there are many attacks, the community kills and buries the crocodiles with special ceremonies.
What Is the government doing?
The Indonesian government lets miners work in illegal mines if they also help the environment. They must plant trees and clean waste, but many people do not trust this plan.
Government workers find dangerous areas and warn people. In West Sulawesi, the government is thinking of selling crocodile skin to control crocodile numbers and help the local economy.
Let’s hope Indonesia is able to find a safe and lasting solution to this problem.
