The Presence Of Crocodiles In The Selagan Mukomuko River Makes Uncomfortable, Local Government Invites Residents In 5 Villages To Make Arrests

A number of residents in Mukomuko Regency watch crocodiles next to the local government secretariat office (Via ANTARA)

MUKOIMUKO - The government of Mukomuko Regency, Bengkulu Province, invited the community to catch crocodiles that prey on humans in the Selagan River. However, this effort should not lead to the death of the animal.

"The regional government in this case does not allow it, the regional government does not have the right to allow it, please the people of five villages make arrests, but don't cause further deaths," said Mukomuko Yandaryat's Acting Regional Secretary, in a statement at Mukomuko quoted by Antara, Tuesday, March 15.

Communities from five villages in the area, through their handlers, previously caught a crocodile suspected of being a human predator in the Selagan River. But the crocodile died.

Regarding community activities to catch crocodiles in rivers, BKSDA had previously suggested using cages. Meanwhile, according to the community, cages are not effective in catching crocodiles.

However, Yandaryat continued, his party has conveyed to the public to catch crocodiles using baited traps.

"I will call the sub-district head to advise him not to use fishing rods, just use traps," he said.

In addition, he said his party forbade community activities in the river. Until now, the community is still restless because there is a large crocodile roaming the river which is a place for residents to look for fish and lokan.

The Head of the Conservation Section for Region I BKSDA Bengkulu Said Jauhari previously stated that whatever the reason for evacuating crocodiles in the Selagan River was not justified, and could have implications for violating the law.

"It is not justified because the crocodile is protected by law, and there are legal implications for people who violate it," he said.

He suggested that people should share space with the crocodiles, without having to evacuate the crocodiles in the Selagan River.

"These animals will not disturb if people do not disturb them," he said.

Meanwhile, residents from five villages hired a handler from West Sumatra to catch a crocodile that preyed on Sabri (65), a resident of Tanah Rekah Village, Mukomuko City District, until the victim died.