TEMPO.CO, Pekanbaru - Residents of Indragiri Hilir (Inhil) are concerned that a Sumatran tiger (panthera tigris sumatrae) has regularly been entering human settlement. The tiger has started preying on cattle and chasing passersby.
"As of now, a Sumatran tiger is still roaming the settlement," Indragiri Hilir Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Dolifar Manurung said yesterday.
Dolifar said that the tiger has been spotted at times since three days ago, during which it has eaten cattle. Around 10:30 am yesterday the tiger was seen roaming at a yard belonging to a man named Bachtiar and scaring the people. "The tiger chased Pak Bachtiar’s son," he said.
Dolifar said that the wild animal had tried to attack a man called Arbain, 45, who was finding logs with his wife Liana, 38, in Tanjung Simpang village. Luckily, the couple managed to escape the attack.
"Both managed to escape, the tiger only scratched Arbain’s left leg leaving an open wound," he said.
According to Dolifar, locals refuse to catch or hunt the Sumatran tiger since it is protected by the law. Dolifar said that he will coordinate with the Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) to catch the tiger. "We call on residents to be more careful when having outdoor activities," he said.
RIYAN NOFITRA