PALMOILMAGAZINE, PEKANBARU — A joint team from the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) and local government officials swiftly responded to reports of three Sumatran tigers spotted in a palm oil plantation area in Penghidupan Village, Kampar Kiri Tengah District, Kampar Regency.
“We have deployed a team to verify the report submitted by Kampar Kiri Tengah Police Chief, Iptu Ferry Curie Ambarita,” said Supartono, Head of BBKSDA Riau, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com from Riau’s Media Center, Monday (October 6, 2025).
The report originated from residents who claimed to have seen three tigers — one adult and two cubs — near an oil palm plantation operated by PT Flora Wahana Tirta. The sighting was recorded at coordinates 0.128321, 101.324350, approximately 45 kilometers from the Bukit Rimbang Bukit Baling Wildlife Reserve, a known habitat for the critically endangered Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae).
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Acting on the report, a joint team consisting of BBKSDA officers, local police, and village officials immediately visited the site. They interviewed three witnesses — Hendri Gule, Rito Widodo, and Andri Miko — who claimed to have spotted the animals on September 28, 2025, around 6:00 p.m. “The witnesses said they saw three tigers, but out of fear and panic, they were unable to capture any photos or evidence,” Supartono explained.
Following a thorough inspection, the team found no physical traces of the animals such as footprints, claw marks, or droppings. Observations also revealed that the area consisted solely of oil palm plantations with no nearby forest cover. “It is very likely that the tigers were just passing through,” Supartono added.
Despite the absence of evidence, BBKSDA Riau has heightened monitoring around the area and carried out community awareness activities to promote safety. Residents were advised not to work alone, particularly after 5:00 p.m. and before 7:00 a.m., when wildlife encounters are more likely.
Meanwhile, PT Flora Wahana Tirta was instructed to install warning signs in the area where the tigers were reportedly seen. The Penghidupan Village Government was also urged to maintain close coordination with BBKSDA Riau and avoid spreading unverified information that could trigger public anxiety.
“Preventive action and strong coordination are crucial — not only to ensure public safety but also to maintain harmony between community activities and the conservation of the Sumatran tiger,” Supartono concluded. (P2)
