Authorities demand closure of Batam crocodile farm after 105 reptiles escape

Jambi Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) rescues a 4.5 meter-long saltwater crocodile that entered a residential area in Dendang district, East Tanjab regency, Jambi, recently. - Photo: Kompas.com

JAKARTA: The Riau Islands Legislative Council (DPRD) has called for the closure of a crocodile farm on Bulan Island, Batam, following the escape of 105 reptiles last month, sparking concerns about potential crocodile attacks on local residents and tourists.

DPRD Speaker Iman Sutiawan said that aside from endangering the public, the crocodile farm, which was managed by PT Perkasa Jagat Karunia, had never contributed taxes to the province in its 36 years of operation.