A TNI Member Killed by a Wild Elephant in South Sumatra – Sgt. Satu Iskandar, a TNI member from Kodim 0402 / Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI), South Sumatra, was killed by a wild elephant who was on a rampage.
The incident occurred at a community plantation in Belanti Hamlet, Banyubiru Village, Air Sugihan District, OKI Regency, South Sumatra, Wednesday (3/4/2020).
Commander of the 0402 / OKI Kodim Lt. Col. Czi Zamroni said they initially received reports from residents around 08.00 WIB.
The report was about an elephant herd who entered a residential area not far from the plantation.
From the report, two members of the Village Development Board (Babinsa), namely Serma Sugiarto and Sertu Iskandar immediately came to the location to help residents.
Because, at that time there were two residents who had been injured in the head, due to a conflict with an elephant.
When our members helped the residents, suddenly an elephant came and chased. Sergeant Iskandar was then dropped, trampled and killed, Zamroni said.
Serma Sugiarto survived the incident. Judi Ceme Terpercaya
Meanwhile, two residents suffered head injuries.
According to Zamroni, the two members are trying to drive out a herd of elephants that enter a residential area using only wood and other traditional tools.
Both members of the TNI made efforts without using weapons.
The body is being taken care of at the local health center and will be brought to Palembang, because of its domicile in Banyuasin, Zamroni said.
Meanwhile, Head of the Sumsel Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), Genman Suhefti Hasibuan, explained that they had sent a team to resolve the elephant conflict.
According to Genman, there were around 120 elephants at the location.
Because, that location is a herd of elephant home range.
For these incidents of wild elephants, their herd can usually be up to 50 individuals, Genman said.
Genman revealed, the team was still in the field to monitor the location of the elephant herd.
Later, the wild elephants will be evacuated by means of crushing.
“We can use elephants or not use elephants. If we don’t use elephants, we make sounds,” Genman said.