Crocodile attacks on humans have reached alarming levels in Indonesia, making it the country with the highest number of such incidents worldwide. Over the past decade, these encounters have resulted in 486 deaths, sparking concerns about the rising conflict between humans and crocodiles. But what’s driving this surge in attacks?
A report by The Crocodile Foundation, a U.S.-based conservation group, reveals that Indonesia recorded more than 1,000 crocodile attacks in the last ten years, leading to nearly 500 fatalities. Channel News Asia highlighted this issue in a report published on Wednesday (5/1/2025).
A study in Biological Conservation (April 2023) found that Bangka-Belitung, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), and East Kalimantan are the three provinces with the highest number of attacks. Among them, Bangka has seen a dramatic increase in fatalities over the past six years.
The Alobi Foundation, a wildlife rescue organization in Pangkalpinang, reported that since 2016, over 60 deaths have occurred due to crocodile attacks in Bangka, with ten fatalities recorded up to November 2024.
“Compared to 2016, the numbers have increased drastically,” said Langka Sani, founder of Alobi Foundation.
He attributed the rise in attacks to habitat destruction.
“The conflict (between humans and crocodiles) is worsening because their habitat is being destroyed. This is a ticking time bomb,” Langka warned.
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Bangka’s wealth in tin, a crucial material for electronic devices, plays a major role in this crisis. The island supplies 90% of Indonesia’s tin production. While state-owned PT Timah controlled mining operations for years, illegal mining has expanded rapidly over the past decade.
Small-scale miners often extract tin from restricted areas, including protected forests or company-owned land undergoing reclamation.
“We know illegal mining is everywhere—behind schools, near office buildings—it’s just all over the place,” Langka said.
Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) primarily inhabit estuaries rather than deep rivers or open seas. Illegal mining near these areas disrupts their environment, forcing them into conflict with humans.
These crocodiles, the largest of their species, can grow up to 7 meters long and weigh nearly 1,000 kg. They are highly sensitive to noise.
“Excessive mining noise stresses them out. They either fight back or migrate. Sometimes they attack illegal miners, or they move downstream, only to encounter other crocodiles,” Langka explained.
These territorial disputes push some crocodiles into urban areas. Bangka has 97 rivers, many of which run through towns, including Pangkalpinang, the provincial capital.
Because crocodiles remain submerged in murky water caused by tin dredging, spotting them becomes increasingly difficult.
In recent years, tin mining has also expanded offshore, further degrading the region’s rivers. Sedimentation has drastically reduced water flow and harmed coral reefs, which serve as breeding and feeding grounds for fish, crabs, and shrimp. With their natural food sources dwindling, crocodiles are left with few options.
“Humans are not their natural prey. But when food runs out, they have no choice but to hunt for survival. Sometimes they attack out of defense rather than predation,” Langka explained.
Authorities in Bangka acknowledge the issue and are working to curb the attacks. The Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) has launched efforts to protect residents.
Dedi Susanto, head of BKSDA’s conservation unit, said officials continually warn those living near rivers to stay cautious. If a crocodile is spotted near residential areas, the agency coordinates with local SAR teams or Alobi to capture and relocate the reptile.
