Inp.polri.go.id - Batam. The Navy’s Main Naval Base IV (Lantamal IV) in Batam has deployed soldiers to assist in locating and capturing crocodiles that escaped from a breeding facility on Bulan Island following severe flooding.

Marine Major Rio Aditya, the spokesperson for Lantamal IV, said on Sunday (19/1/2025) that Navy soldiers, local residents and related agencies, are part of a joint task force handling the operation. 

As of Saturday, 22 crocodiles had been captured alive, according to antaranews.com.

“The operation, ongoing since 13 January 2025, is coordinated through the Integrated Task Force Post at the Navy’s Maritime Potential Development in Mengkada Island, which serves as the central hub for command, data collection, and coordination,” Major Rio said.

Captured crocodiles were found in areas such as Mengkada Island, Buluh Island, Geranting Island, Lokan River, and Teluk Paku.

Major Rio urged stricter monitoring of wildlife facilities to prevent similar incidents in the future.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)