- Joined
- Aug 20, 2022
- Messages
- 15,862
- Points
- 113
Large Crocodiles Roam Free along Singapore Straits After Bulan Island Breeding Pond Wall Collapses
batamnewsasia.com
The exact number of escaped crocodiles remains uncertain. Initial reports from PT Perkasa Jagat Karunia (PJK), the company managing the facility, estimated that around five crocodiles had exited the enclosure. However, subsequent captures have yielded varying figures. As of January 17, 2025, reports indicate that 13 crocodiles have been recaptured, yet two are still unaccounted for.
A crocodile caught by a local resident in Batam. Photo: GoKepri
This discrepancy has understandably heightened public anxiety. Residents in nearby areas have expressed deep concern over the potential threat posed by these apex predators. The uncertainty surrounding the total number of escaped crocodiles has led to widespread unease, with locals fearing for their safety and demanding swift action from authorities.
A crocodile appeared in the waters near the KTU Shipyard company. Credit: batamnewsonline
While initial concerns and reports from some residents hinted at the possibility of thousands of crocodiles escaping from the facility, authorities have clarified that the total number of crocodiles in the breeding pond does not reach such figures. The exact number of crocodiles in captivity remains under review, adding to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the incident.
In response to the incident, the Batam City Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) has urged PT Perkasa Jagat Karunia to take full responsibility for the breach and its consequences. The council emphasized the importance of ensuring public safety and called for immediate measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
A crocodile sighting beneath one of the stilt houses in Pulau Buluh, Batam. Photo: Pak Lan – Pulau Buluh resident
This incident is not an isolated case. Similar breaches have occurred in other regions, often due to inadequate infrastructure or natural disasters. For instance, in May 2024, heavy rainfall in Guangdong Province, China, caused the collapse of a crocodile breeding farm’s outer wall, leading to the escape of four crocodiles. Local authorities had to act swiftly to recapture the animals and ensure public safety.
A crocodile was successfully captured by residents after entering the space beneath a stilt house in Pulau Buluh, Batam, on Wednesday (January 15). Credit: batamnewsonline
These recurring incidents underscore the pressing need for stringent safety protocols and robust infrastructure in wildlife breeding facilities. The potential risks to human life and the ethical considerations surrounding the treatment of these animals cannot be ignored. It is imperative for regulatory bodies to enforce strict compliance with safety standards and for facility operators to prioritize the maintenance and inspection of their enclosures.
The Bulan Island incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between human activities and wildlife conservation. As urban areas expand and encroach upon natural habitats, the responsibility to manage and protect wildlife becomes increasingly complex. Ensuring the safety of both residents and animals necessitates a collaborative effort between government agencies, private enterprises, and local communities.
In conclusion, the breach of the crocodile breeding pond on Bulan Island is a clarion call for a comprehensive review of wildlife management practices. It highlights the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and proactive measures to prevent future incidents. Only through diligent oversight and a commitment to safety can we hope to coexist harmoniously with the wildlife that shares our environment.
Sources:
[1] VOIhttps://voi.id/en/news/452029
[2] ANTARA Newshttps://www.antaranews.com/berita/4...ogi-jebolnya-penangkaran-buaya-di-pulau-bulan
[3] AlurNewshttps://alurnews.com/2025/01/17/bua...dprd-batam-desak-perusahaan-bertanggungjawab/
[4] TribunBatamhttps://batam.tribunnews.com/2025/0...lnya-tanggul-di-penangkaran-buaya-pulau-bulan
[5] VOI
batamnewsasia.com
The collapse of a crocodile breeding pond wall on Bulan Island, Batam City, has led to the escape of several crocodiles, sparking public concern and calls for accountability. The incident underscores the urgent need for stringent safety protocols in wildlife facilities.
The recent collapse of a crocodile breeding pond wall on Bulan Island, Batam City, has unleashed a wave of concern and controversy. On January 13, 2025, heavy rainfall led to the breach of two sections of the pond’s embankment, each approximately 70 meters long, allowing several crocodiles to escape into the surrounding areas.The exact number of escaped crocodiles remains uncertain. Initial reports from PT Perkasa Jagat Karunia (PJK), the company managing the facility, estimated that around five crocodiles had exited the enclosure. However, subsequent captures have yielded varying figures. As of January 17, 2025, reports indicate that 13 crocodiles have been recaptured, yet two are still unaccounted for.
This discrepancy has understandably heightened public anxiety. Residents in nearby areas have expressed deep concern over the potential threat posed by these apex predators. The uncertainty surrounding the total number of escaped crocodiles has led to widespread unease, with locals fearing for their safety and demanding swift action from authorities.
A crocodile appeared in the waters near the KTU Shipyard company. Credit: batamnewsonline
While initial concerns and reports from some residents hinted at the possibility of thousands of crocodiles escaping from the facility, authorities have clarified that the total number of crocodiles in the breeding pond does not reach such figures. The exact number of crocodiles in captivity remains under review, adding to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the incident.
In response to the incident, the Batam City Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) has urged PT Perkasa Jagat Karunia to take full responsibility for the breach and its consequences. The council emphasized the importance of ensuring public safety and called for immediate measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
This incident is not an isolated case. Similar breaches have occurred in other regions, often due to inadequate infrastructure or natural disasters. For instance, in May 2024, heavy rainfall in Guangdong Province, China, caused the collapse of a crocodile breeding farm’s outer wall, leading to the escape of four crocodiles. Local authorities had to act swiftly to recapture the animals and ensure public safety.
A crocodile was successfully captured by residents after entering the space beneath a stilt house in Pulau Buluh, Batam, on Wednesday (January 15). Credit: batamnewsonline
These recurring incidents underscore the pressing need for stringent safety protocols and robust infrastructure in wildlife breeding facilities. The potential risks to human life and the ethical considerations surrounding the treatment of these animals cannot be ignored. It is imperative for regulatory bodies to enforce strict compliance with safety standards and for facility operators to prioritize the maintenance and inspection of their enclosures.
The Bulan Island incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between human activities and wildlife conservation. As urban areas expand and encroach upon natural habitats, the responsibility to manage and protect wildlife becomes increasingly complex. Ensuring the safety of both residents and animals necessitates a collaborative effort between government agencies, private enterprises, and local communities.
In conclusion, the breach of the crocodile breeding pond on Bulan Island is a clarion call for a comprehensive review of wildlife management practices. It highlights the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and proactive measures to prevent future incidents. Only through diligent oversight and a commitment to safety can we hope to coexist harmoniously with the wildlife that shares our environment.
Sources:
[1] VOIhttps://voi.id/en/news/452029
[2] ANTARA Newshttps://www.antaranews.com/berita/4...ogi-jebolnya-penangkaran-buaya-di-pulau-bulan
[3] AlurNewshttps://alurnews.com/2025/01/17/bua...dprd-batam-desak-perusahaan-bertanggungjawab/
[4] TribunBatamhttps://batam.tribunnews.com/2025/0...lnya-tanggul-di-penangkaran-buaya-pulau-bulan
[5] VOI
