Riau Raises Alert Over Sumatran Tigers Near Settlements

RRI.CO.ID, Pekanbaru – The Riau Provincial Administration has heightened its alert status following a surge in reported Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) sightings near populated areas. Acting Governor of Riau, SF Hariyanto, has urged residents to exercise extreme caution, particularly those working in forest peripheries and plantation areas.

The Governor noted that in recent days, the administration has received numerous reports, including visual evidence from resident camera recordings, showing tigers venturing outside their natural habitats. This phenomenon is being treated as a serious matter to prevent potentially fatal human-wildlife conflicts.

"The appearance of Sumatran tigers near settlements cannot be treated lightly, public safety is our priority. Therefore, we ask residents to increase their vigilance, especially when active in high-risk areas," said SF Hariyanto on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

He advised the public to avoid solitary activities in locations bordering forests, particularly during the early morning and late afternoon. Should residents encounter tracks or spot a tiger directly, they are urged to seek safety immediately and report the sighting to the relevant authorities.

The Governor also strictly prohibited any form of vigilantism. He emphasized that setting traps or attempting to harm the animals could lead to legal repercussions and further escalate the conflict.

"The Sumatran tiger is a protected species. Any form of hunting or trapping carries serious legal consequences. We ask the community to remain calm and leave the handling of these animals to the authorities," he added.

As a follow-up measure, the Riau Provincial Administration will coordinate with the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) to conduct intensive monitoring. This effort includes mapping sighting locations, deploying conflict mitigation teams, and safely herding the animals back into their natural habitats.

As of mid-January 2026, data shows at least three documented sighting locations, such as Teluk Masjid Village in Sungai Apit Subdistrict, Siak; the Zamrud Water Injection Plant (WIP) area in Siak; and Pulau Muda Village in Teluk Meranti Subdistrict, Pelalawan.

This series of events serves as a signal for the local administration to accelerate preventative measures. This is essential to protect public safety while ensuring the preservation of the critically endangered Sumatran tiger in Riau. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)