The Indragiri Hilir Fire and Rescue Agency (DPKP) in Riau Province has undertaken the task of sending the carcass of a massive crocodile, weighing an astonishing 585 kilograms and measuring 5.7 meters in length, to a conservation institution in Jakarta for preservation. This specialized institution operates under the guidance of the Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation, part of the Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia.
Junaidi, the Head of DPKP Indragiri Hilir, confirmed the agency’s action in Tembilahan on Sunday, November 23, stating, “The sending of the crocodile carcass was at the request of the institution for preparation and preservation.” To ensure the colossal reptile’s remains did not decompose during transit, they were transported in a refrigerated box truck. The colossal reptile’s remains, carefully wrapped in plastic, commenced their journey on Friday, November 21, at 9:00 PM Western Indonesian Time (WIB).
Before the carcass, affectionately named ‘Si Undan’, was dispatched to Jakarta, DPKP Inhil personnel performed a crucial task: meticulously removing its stomach contents. What they uncovered inside was truly disturbing. “It turned out the contents were shocking, ranging from plastics and electronics to sharp objects,” Junaidi revealed, highlighting a stark illustration of environmental pollution.
The astonishing haul from Si Undan’s stomach included a staggering 20 plastic bags, a gunny sack, lids from various packaged beverages, a small knife complete with its handle, and even a spearhead. Remarkably, fragments of an old television tube were also among the indigestible items found. All these foreign objects were discovered intact, yet notably, no animal or human bones were present.
Junaidi strongly suspects that these non-digestible items were the ultimate cause of the crocodile’s demise. “Just imagine, 20 plastic bags, along with a gunny sack, a knife, a spearhead, and a television tube,” he reiterated, underscoring the severe and widespread impact of waste on wildlife, even on apex predators.
The story of this magnificent creature began on November 1, when it was captured by a large group of vigilant residents from Sungai Undan, Reteh District, Indragiri Hilir Regency. The very next day, this super jumbo reptile underwent a challenging nine-hour overland evacuation using a double-cabin vehicle, a testament to its immense size and the community’s efforts.
Upon its arrival, the crocodile was temporarily housed at the DPKP enclosure on SKB Road, Tembilahan. However, despite diligent care, ‘Si Undan’ tragically passed away on Friday, November 21. Personnel had observed it on Thursday, November 20, noting an infection stemming from abrasions on both its legs and hands. “The crocodile’s death was reported after our personnel conducted an observation. Since there were no signs of movement, a check was performed, and it was confirmed dead,” Junaidi stated on Friday, November 21, in Tembilahan. Furthermore, during its 20 days in captivity, the crocodile had refused all food offered, indicating a profound distress or internal illness exacerbated by its stomach contents.
Summary
A massive 585 kg, 5.7-meter-long crocodile, named ‘Si Undan’, was captured on November 1st in Indragiri Hilir and housed by DPKP Inhil. Despite diligent care, it tragically died on November 21st, showing abrasions and refusing food for 20 days. Its carcass was subsequently sent in a refrigerated truck to a conservation institution in Jakarta for preservation, a journey that began on November 21st and was confirmed on November 23rd.
Before transport, DPKP personnel meticulously removed the crocodile’s stomach contents, revealing a shocking array of pollutants. Inside, they found 20 plastic bags, a gunny sack, beverage lids, a knife, a spearhead, and fragments of a television tube. Junaidi, the Head of DPKP Indragiri Hilir, strongly suspects these indigestible items were the ultimate cause of Si Undan’s demise, highlighting severe environmental pollution.
