A giant crocodile measuring around six metres and weighing an estimated one tonne was captured by residents of Sungai Undan Village, Reteh District, Indragiri Hilir Regency, Riau.
The animal was first observed by residents on Friday, 31 October 2025, swimming in a river close to a community organisation before entering a nearby ditch. Its presence raised concern due to its size and proximity to populated areas and livestock.
According to the Head of the Indragiri Hilir Fire Department, Junaidi Ismail, the crocodile is believed to have strayed from its habitat because of reduced access to food.
“This large crocodile left its habitat to look for food,” he said on Monday, 3 November 2025, as quoted by Metronews.
Residents reported seeing the crocodile several times before its capture, prompting fears for public safety. Local authorities noted that the animal was frequently spotted approaching areas with regular human activity.
The discovery led to a coordinated response involving residents, the police, and the Fire and Rescue Department (Damkarmat).
The crocodile, estimated to be about 50 years old, was eventually secured in the ditch where it had become trapped. Its size and movement inside the confined space heightened local anxiety, prompting the rescue effort to commence immediately.
Dramatic Rescue and Relocation Effort
The evacuation required dozens of people and took several hours. Residents and Damkarmat officers used large ropes to restrain the animal, securing its mouth, legs, and tail to ensure the safety of both the rescuers and the crocodile. Once immobilised, the crocodile was lifted onto a double-cabin truck for transport.
As reported by Liputan6.com via the Instagram page @damkar.inhil on Tuesday, 4 November 2025, the relocation process was lengthy due to the crocodile’s size and the need to maintain strict safety procedures throughout.
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The animal arrived at the Inhil Fire Department Headquarters at around 17:30 WIB on Saturday, 1 November, showing several injuries on its back and limbs.
On the morning of Sunday, 2 November, the Fire Department’s Rescue Team bathed the crocodile to maintain its body temperature and reduce stress.
The procedure was conducted to stabilise its condition before further assessment. Authorities have not yet released information on the next stage of handling or the crocodile’s long-term placement.
