Amazing! Photos Of Sun Bears Killed By Residents Circulating, Mukomuko BKSDA Intervenes To Find Locations

A photo that went viral when a resident was suspected of having killed a sun bear in the Mukomuko Regency area. (photo: dock. between)

Mukomuko "The Mukomuko Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) has followed up on information regarding the murder of a sun bear which was reported to have occurred in Mukomuko Regency. However, after checking in the field with police officers and related parties, the location of the incident was not found.

"We have been there with police officers and other related parties, but there was no location for the murder of a sun bear in the Mukomuko Regency area," said Head of the Mukomuko BKSDA Resort, Damin, in a statement on Sunday, January 11.

Previously, the Bengkulu BKSDA received information from local print media reports that a number of residents had killed a sun bear in the Mukomuko Regency area. Following up on the news, BKSDA immediately ordered the Mukomuko KSDA Resort officers to verify the truth of the information.

However, until now, officers have not received concrete evidence in the field, including from local community reports. "Our officers do not yet know or receive direct information from residents regarding the murder, both the location and the village where the incident took place," Damin explained.

Although photos and videos allegedly related to the killing of a sun bear have been circulating on social media, the BKSDA cannot confirm that the incident did occur in Mukomuko Regency. "It could have happened in other areas," added Damin.

Sun bears are legally protected animals in Indonesia. The population in the Bengkulu Province, including Mukomuko Regency, is still relatively large. Damin emphasized that killing a sun bear is an unlawful act, except under certain conditions, such as when the animal attacks humans.

"In the law, human safety remains prioritized, so killing protected animals is only allowed in dangerous emergency situations," he explained.

As a preventive measure, BKSDA continues to seek out socialization to people living near forest areas. Residents are advised to report to village officials, police, or BKSDA officers if they find a sun bear around their settlement.

"We will deploy a team to carry out safe expulsion of the animal, without having to involve unlawful acts," said Damin.

BKSDA hopes that the community can work together to protect wildlife, especially those threatened with extinction such as sun bears, in order to maintain the balance of forest ecosystems in the Bengkulu area.