A crocodile was spotted swimming at several locations within the waters of Komodo National Park, Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Friday, July 17, 2026, prompting authorities to urge caution among residents and tourists.
The crocodile appeared in the waters near Strawberry Rock and Kalong Island, Rinca Island. In footage obtained by detikBali, the crocodile is seen swimming at the surface, with a fishing boat passing nearby.
Confirmed by Park Authorities
Hendrikus Rani Siga, Head of the Komodo National Park Authority (BTNK), confirmed the sighting. Siga, known as Hengki, said the crocodile appeared at approximately 3:00pm local time.
“The Komodo National Park Authority received information from visitors and officers at the Rinca Village Resort that a crocodile was observed swimming in the waters around Strawberry Rock and Kalong Island,” Hengki said Friday night.
Monitoring and Safety Measures
Hengki said BTNK will continue monitoring the animal’s presence together with relevant parties, particularly the NTT Natural Resources Conservation Center (KSDA), as part of ongoing wildlife monitoring efforts in the area and surrounding waters.
Hengki urged residents and tourism operators to increase vigilance while engaging in activities near the location where the crocodile was spotted.
“Avoid swimming or conducting water activities in that area, and immediately report any further sightings of the crocodile to Komodo National Park Authority officers or relevant authorities,” Hengki said.
