An 80-year-old man named Wasim was killed in a tragic crocodile attack while bathing in a river near his home in the Tanggamus Regency of Lampung Province, Indonesia.
The horrifying incident occurred on June 30 as Wasim entered the Semaka River, unaware of the danger lurking nearby. A 10-foot-long crocodile suddenly attacked, dragging him under the water before anyone could react. His body was later seen being carried by the animal in front of stunned villagers.
Local resident Yusron, 40, noticed Wasim’s clothes on the riverbank and raised the alarm. Villagers soon located the crocodile still in the area, attempting to flee with the victim’s body. Armed with sticks, they confronted the reptile, eventually forcing it to release Wasim’s remains.
Police Chief AKP Sutarto confirmed that Wasim was found around 1:00 p.m. local time, already deceased. He had suffered deep wounds to his back, shoulders, and buttocks. His family has accepted the tragic loss, and his body has been released for burial.
Wasim’s son-in-law, Samugi, said the elderly man had left home that morning as usual, with no indication of what was to come. “It was just a normal day for us. We didn’t expect it to end tragically like this,” he said.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant when using rivers, especially in regions known to have crocodile populations. Indonesia is home to 14 species of crocodiles, including large and aggressive saltwater types that thrive in the tropical climate.
Conservationists say that habitat loss and overfishing have pushed crocodiles closer to human settlements. The expansion of farmland and mining activities has disrupted natural habitats, increasing human-wildlife conflict.
According to the independent database CrocAttack, Indonesia recorded 179 crocodile attacks in 2024—the highest in the world—with 92 of them resulting in death.
To address the issue, crocodile handler Rusli Paraili, 39, has been raising crocodiles in a secure farm in West Sulawesi, away from populated areas. He receives government aid and community support to help manage the risks.
The problem has intensified in areas where palm oil plantations have expanded. Some companies have redirected waterways, unintentionally bringing crocodiles closer to people. In some regions, residents now routinely check for crocodiles while tending to fish ponds or water systems—flashlights in hand, always alert.
Though saltwater crocodiles have been protected under Indonesian law since 1999, their growing proximity to people remains a deadly concern.
