Inp.polri.go.id - Batam. The Chief of the Riau Islands Regional Police, Inspector General Yan Fitri Halimansyah, confirmed that the authorities are working together to manage the escaped crocodiles that have spread across local waters.

“We are fully committed to addressing the situation, with support from the military, police, and local government. To date, 34 crocodiles have been safely evacuated,” he said on Tuesday (21/1/2025).

Addressing concerns from both the local community and neighboring Singapore, Chief Yan acknowledged that such fears are understandable. He urged the public not to provoke the crocodiles to prevent potential attacks on people or property, as reported by antaranews.com.

He explained that the breach of the crocodile enclosure occurred due to heavy rains, which caused flooding and compromised the enclosure's walls. 

Since the incident on 13 January 2025, the joint rescue team has continued to search for and evacuate the crocodiles.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)