Elderly Farmer Killed in Bear Attack at Coffee Plantation in Waykanan

A deep sense of mourning blankets the village of Tiuh Balak II, located in Baradatu Subdistrict, Waykanan Regency, Lampung Province, after an elderly farmer was found dead under horrific circumstances. The victim, identified as 70-year-old Sami, was reportedly attacked and mauled by a wild bear while tending to a coffee plantation in the Dusun Campang area on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The incident quickly went viral on social media following the circulation of a 2-minute 44-second video showing the panic among locals upon discovering the victim’s lifeless body.

Waykanan Police Chief AKBP Adanan Mangopang confirmed the tragic incident when contacted on Wednesday, June 18. He stated that police had received reports of a wild animal attack and promptly deployed officers to investigate and secure the area. Eyewitness accounts suggest the attacker was a wild bear, which had been spotted roaming near the coffee plantations days prior to the incident.

The chain of events began when a resident reported seeing a bear near the plantation area. Concerned about public safety, dozens of villagers armed themselves with wooden sticks and basic tools to conduct a search. Instead of finding the bear, they stumbled upon the bloodied corpse of the elderly farmer hidden in the undergrowth, showing multiple bite and claw wounds—an image that shocked the community.

Locals rushed the victim to the nearest health center in a desperate attempt to save his life. Unfortunately, medical personnel at the Puskesmas declared him dead upon arrival. According to Chief Adanan, the wounds on the victim’s body strongly indicated an attack by a large wild animal. Despite the circumstances, the victim’s family refused an autopsy and chose to bury him later that same day.

Authorities, alongside residents and wildlife officials, are now actively searching for the wild bear suspected of carrying out the fatal attack. Patrols have been intensified in and around the plantation areas to ensure the safety of other villagers. Forestry officials have also joined the operation to determine whether the bear strayed from its natural habitat due to environmental disruption or habitat shrinkage.

The incident has sparked widespread fear, especially among local farmers who rely on the land for their livelihood. The village head has urged residents to remain vigilant and report any wild animal sightings immediately. The situation highlights the urgent need for collaborative efforts between local communities and government agencies to address escalating human-wildlife conflicts.

There is also increasing pressure on the Waykanan Regency government to take proactive steps, such as reactivating early warning systems and establishing emergency response units for wildlife threats. This tragedy underscores the consequences of unchecked deforestation and encroachment on natural habitats, raising the call for better zoning and wildlife management practices.

Residents now look to both law enforcement and local authorities for swift and decisive action to restore security in their environment. With united efforts, the community hopes to prevent similar incidents and ensure that their daily lives are no longer overshadowed by fear.