News about Dozens of Crocodiles Escaping to Cisadane River Doubtful

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

An estuarine crocodile lies in recovery before being returned to its natural habitat.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) of Tangerang city, Banten, questioned the truth of reports about the release of 43 crocodiles from captivity to the Cisadane River. However, Tangerang residents who live around the river were still asked to be vigilant in order to avoid the risk of danger.

Head of BPBD of Tangerang city Deni Koswara said that to check the validity of information about the release of the crocodiles from captivity, his party has coordinated with BPBD from areas where Cisadane River passes, starting from Bogor regency, Bogor city, Tangerang regency, and South Tangerang city. "It can be ascertained that the truth of the news needs to be questioned until today," he said in an official statement on Wednesday (4/11/2020).

However, BPBD of Tangerang city continues to anticipate this by intensifying patrol activities. Deni said his party had examined the river up to the border with South Tangerang city since Tuesday (3/11/2020). The carnivorous reptile has yet to be seen. BPBD appealed to the public to remain vigilant, but asked not to be overly anxious.

Thus far no one has informed that they have seen the wild animal. (Darmawan)

Based on information from unclear sources spreading through a messaging app, people were advised not to carry out activities along Cisadane River. "For those who have children please guard them not to swim in the river because about 43 crocodiles are out of their captivity in Cisadane River and they have reached Serpong Cisadane," the message read.

Kompas/Priyombodo

A resident fishes on the Cisadane River in Pasar Lama, Tangerang city, Banten, on Monday (1/6/2020).

The head of the Emergency and Logistics Division of the BPBD of Tangerang city, Febi Darmawan, said that the Tangerang administration had appealed to the public. If there are residents who see the crocodiles in Cisadane River, they are asked to immediately report it to the nearest city government office or they can directly call 112.

So far, no one has announced that they have seen the wild animal. "We are still waiting for reports from the public," said Darmawan.

He said that BPBD personnel routinely examine Cisadane River every day, whether there is news about the presence of crocodiles there or not. The goal is to train members\' skills in driving boats or other water transportation means for disaster management needs, including anticipating floods.

KOMPAS/VIDELIS JEMALI

An estuarine crocodile is temporarily held in a transit enclosure belonging to the Central Sulawesi Natural Resources Conservation Agency in Palu, Central Sulawesi, on Friday (28/2/2020).

Ten personnel carry out an exercise on Cisadane River every day from 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. to noon. Darmawan hoped that the regular presence of BPBD officers in Cisadane will keep residents calm.