The Entry Of Tigers Into Settlements In Mukomuko Is Considered A Serious Threat To Residents

JAKARTA - Legal observers from the Legal Office of M. CH and Partners in Mukomuko Regency, Bengkulu Province, Muslim Chaniago, highlighted the serious threats faced by residents due to the entry of tigers into residential areas.

He assessed that the presence of wild animals in residential areas of residents had endangered the safety of the local community.

Muslim Chaniago explained that this incident had resulted in a resident and a cow becoming a victim. According to him, this situation must immediately receive serious attention from the Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA).

"People's safety is the highest priority in state law. The entry of tigers into these settlements must be an important warning to BKSDA," Muslim said, as quoted by ANTARA.

The death toll in this incident was a man named Ibnu Oktavianto (22), a resident of Tunggal Jaya Village, Teras Terunjam District. He was found dead on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 night at around 23.30 WIB in Ari Cahyono's oil palm plantation. In addition, a cow belonging to a resident of Mekar Jaya Village, Deden Nurjamil, was also found dead after being attacked by a tiger.

Muslims insist that legally, wild animals that threaten human safety can be handled, including through acts of extermination if necessary.

"Although crocodiles or tigers are protected animals, they can be killed if they directly threaten human lives," he explained. He assessed that the authorities must act immediately so that similar incidents do not continue to repeat themselves.

He also called for BKSDA to be more responsible in managing human-animal conflicts, especially in areas that are directly adjacent to wild animal habitats.

In response to this situation, the BKSDA has made efforts to catch the tigers involved in the attack. Head of the Mukomuko BKSDA Resort, Damin, said that his party had installed three traps in different locations in Teras Terunjam District.

"We set three traps in Setia Budi Village, Tunggal Jaya Village, and Mekar Jaya Village. Currently, we are continuing to monitor the movement of the tiger," said Damin.

This step is expected to reduce threats to residents and prevent the recurrence of incidents that claimed victims. However, the active role of the community, coordination with the authorities, and education on mitigating wildlife conflicts is also very much needed to ensure mutual safety.