Acting Governor Of East Kalimantan Promises To Find Solutions For Crocodile Habitat Riska

The condition of the Riska crocodile in Pemangkaran Buaya Tertip, Balikpapan. (ANTARA/Biro Adpim East Kalimantan Provincial Government)

BALIKPAPAN - Acting Governor of East Kalimantan Province Akmal Malik promised to find the best solution for the survival of the Riska crocodile after being evacuated from its natural habitat in the Guntung Bontang River to a new place in Penangkaran Buaya Tertip, Balikpapan.

"Buaya Riska has attracted a lot of public attention. However, this Riska Crocodile is a wild animal. As a wild animal, he has the right to live in his habitat," said Acting Governor Akmal Malik while accompanying the visit of the General Chairperson of the TP PKK Tri Tito Karnavian in Buaya Penangkaran. Quoted, East Balikpapan reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, October 24.

Akmal Malik accompanied by his wife who is also the chairman of the East Kalimantan PKK Yulia Zubir Akmal Malik saw firsthand the condition of the Riska crocodile.

According to Akmal, the condition of the Riska Crocodile shelter is very inappropriate. This condition is feared to make Riska Crocodile even more stressed.

For that reason, in the immediate future his party will invite the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) to find the best way for Riska and public safety.

"This is what we will find a solution for. As a wild animal, he can stay alive in his habitat and the humans around him can also live in peace without fear of being attacked by crocodiles," said Akmal.

Meanwhile, TP PKK General Chair Tri Tito Karnavian also provided an analysis regarding the condition of the Riska Crocodile.

"This is not the habitat. Moreover, this Riska Crocodile is said to be not too willing to eat. Usually, it lives in water and mud, this is very far from the situation," said Tri Tito Karnavian, giving an opinion while at the location.

Acting Governor of East Kalimantan Akmal Malik promised to immediately find the best solution for Buaya Riska and the safety of the community, both in Tertip Village and where Buaya Riska came from in Bontang.

During the visit, the owner of the Riska Crocodile, Ambo was also given the opportunity to meet Riska. He even had time to stroke and kiss Crocodile Riska for a while.

"I really miss Riska. Thankfully she wanted to open her eyes earlier, I asked to close your eyes, son, and I kissed her," said Ambo.

The Riska Crocodile was entrusted by the BKSDA to Pemangkaran Buaya Tertip since October 4, 2023, through the evacuation of the BKSDA team in Sungai Guntung using a trap.

The evacuation of a male crocodile and a size of 4.42 meters long and a width of 70 centimeters in its stomach was based on the desire of the Guntung community. Moreover, a few months ago there was a crocodile attack on the surrounding community.

After approximately 20 days of living in his new habitat in Teriptip Balikpapan, most likely, the Riska Crocodile will be returned to its habitat in Bontang City, with a security system that will still be discussed further and consider factors

the safety of the surrounding community.