Crocodile Farm Escape Prompts Closure Calls in Batam, Indonesia

Crocodile Escape Prompts Calls for Farm Closure in Batam

Authorities in Indonesia are demanding the closure of a crocodile farm on Bulan Island in Batam city following the escape of 105 reptiles last month. The incident has sparked concerns about potential attacks on local residents and tourists, prompting authorities in Singapore to also issue an alert.

"We want the farm shut down," declared Iman Sutiawan, speaker of the Riau Islands Legislative Council, as reported by The Jakarta Post. He cited not only the public safety risk but also the farm's failure to pay taxes in its 36 years of operation.

While the farm claims to have recaptured all but one escaped crocodile, Mr. Sutiawan remains skeptical. "We don't believe it," he stated, demanding continued search efforts and verification of the total number of escaped and captured reptiles.

Local councilors visited the farm over the weekend to assess the situation and demand accountability from the management in case of future attacks. The escape occurred on January 13th during torrential downpours that caused parts of the breeding pond's fence to collapse.

The farm, managed by PT Perkasa Jagat Karunia, reportedly houses around 800 saltwater crocodiles, which are used for the production of leather goods like bags, wallets, and belts.

Following the escape, Batam's mayor, Muhammad Rudi, formed a joint team of navy personnel, police officers, and local fishermen to capture the escaped crocodiles. The largest captured crocodile weighed over 1,000kg.

The local tourism agency has also issued warnings to tourists, urging them to avoid beaches and water bodies in the area.