Residents Of East Kotawaringin Surprised By Crocodile Sunbathing On The River

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SAMPIT - The appearance of a crocodile in the waters of East Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan, surprised residents because they saw a large crocodile sunbathing on a large wooden stick floating in the middle of the river.

"It happened on Thursday (17/2) when we together with the BPN (National Land Agency) team headed to the location of land redistribution counseling to Bantian Village," said the Head of Hanaut Island Sub-district, Sufiansyah in Sampit, quoted by Antara, Saturday, February 19.

The crocodile population in the Mentaya River is estimated to be quite large, including in the area leading to the estuary which includes South Mentaya Hilir District, Hanaut Island and Sampit Bay.

Conflicts between these ferocious animals and humans have also often occurred and have claimed lives. People are getting more and more alert when they are on the river.

The appearance of a crocodile this time surprised, as well as attracted attention, because the animal was sunbathing on a log in the middle of the river. The incident went viral because there were residents who had time to capture the moment.

According to Sufiansyah, the location is on the bank of a small river which is a tributary of the Mentaya River. Crocodile with its mouth gaping and looking unperturbed when the motorboat passed.

"It seems that when the tides and lows are maximum, crocodiles appear. We continue to remind the public to be more careful when doing activities in the river," said Sufiansyah.

The Commander of the Central Kalimantan BKSDA Guard at Sampit Pos, Muriansyah, admitted that he had received information about the unique incident of a crocodile sunbathing in the middle of the river.

"It's a crocodile sunbathing to cool its body temperature. Indeed, crocodiles usually sunbathe on the banks of the river," said Muriansyah.

Muriansyah admits that the appearance of crocodiles is getting more frequent, and several times residents have captured the moment when crocodiles came ashore near settlements and schools. BKSDA appealed to the public to continue to be vigilant against the threat of crocodile attacks.

According to Sufiansyah, it is still the season for crocodiles to mate and lay eggs. At times like this, crocodiles are usually quite active and vicious.

"In the sub-districts of Mentaya Hilir Selatan, Mentaya Hilir Utara and Pulau Hanaut, residents are becoming more careful or vigilant. So, be more careful and alert for residents who live and work around the Mentaya River," said Muriansyah.