A father of four, identified only as Arifuddin, tragically lost his life in a crocodile attack while swimming in the Bulete River in South Sulawesi province, Indonesia, on Thursday, August 14. The 53-year-old man was bathing with relatives when the crocodile attacked him, dragging him under the water.
Horrifying Scene Captured on Video
A disturbing video from the scene shows the crocodile biting Arifuddin’s leg and pulling him into the water as villagers rushed to help. Some villagers tried to assist, while others screamed in panic from the shore.
Emergency workers later arrived and located the crocodile, which was still carrying Arifuddin’s lifeless body in muddy, shallow water.
Recovery of the Body
Arifuddin’s remains were eventually recovered about a mile from the original attack site by local residents. His body was then returned to his family for a proper burial.
Rising Crocodile Attacks in Indonesia
This tragic incident highlights a concerning trend in Indonesia, as crocodile attacks have been on the rise. According to the Associated Press, there were 179 crocodile attacks in the country in 2024 — the highest number globally.
Experts believe the increase is linked to the expansion of palm oil plantations, which have led to the creation of more man-made waterways and allowed crocodiles to move closer to populated areas.
