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Two men die in separate North Sumatra crocodile attacks

One man was attacked by a crocodile on May 27 in Central Tapanuli regency while another was pounced on separately on April 27 in North Nias regency.

Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post)
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Tue, June 2, 2026 Published on Jun. 1, 2026 Published on 2026-06-01T08:59:07+07:00

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Stock photo of a crocodile Stock photo of a crocodile (Shutterstock/File)

T

wo people in North Sumatra have been killed in separate crocodile attacks in the past month, raising concerns about wildlife safety in Central Tapanuli and North Nias regencies.

Officers from Manduamas Police sub-precinct discovered the body of a man, identified only as BS, who died after being mauled by a crocodile in the Saga Matua River in Sirandorung district, Central Tapanuli regency, on May 28.

Manduamas Police sub-precinct chief Adj. Comr. Maruli Tua Simanjorang said BS’ body was removed at 1:30 a.m. after an intensive search one day after the victim was suspected of being attacked by a crocodile on May 27.

He said that based on information from Sampang Maruhur village head, Master Rudi Sigalingging, and other witnesses, BS and some of his friends entered a plantation area at 1 a.m. on May 27. An hour later plantation security staff caught BS and his friends, who made a run for it out of the plantation area.

“During the escape, one of the victim’s friends heard something falling into the Saga Matua River,” said Maruli.

“It is believed that the victim dived into the river.”

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He added that not long after, the victim’s friends and family reported that BS had yet to return home since the incident. Police and other villagers immediately searched for him around the river.

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