Human remains, including a head and a right leg, found in a tributary of the Sanga-sanga River, are believed to be those of a victim of a crocodile attack reported missing earlier in the week, Jakarta Globe reported.

Upon receiving public reports, a joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team from the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) in Balikpapan, the Regional Disaster Management Agency, the Fire Department, the police, and the military promptly arrived at the site in Anggana District, Kutai Kartanegara Regency.

The team initially discovered the head two kilometres upstream from the Pertamina Hulu Sanga-sanga dock at approximately 4:40 pm. local time. Shortly after, at 5:00 pm, they located the right leg near the dock site.

Preliminary identification suggests the remains belong to Jatoman, a 52-year-old security officer from Pertamina Hulu Sanga-sanga, reported missing following a crocodile attack on August 5.

Dwi Adi Wibowo, Commander of the Balikpapan Basarnas Rescue Team, confirmed they received reports of a security officer being attacked by a large estuarine crocodile in the Pertamina Hulu Sanga-sanga area.

"On August 5, we were informed of a crocodile attack in the Pertamina Hulu Sanga-sanga work area," Dwi stated at the scene on August 7.

Dwi added that the joint SAR team conducted extensive searches using four rubber boats and thermal drones, but efforts were hindered by the presence of dangerous wildlife, posing risks to the rescuers.

The remains were evacuated by the SAR team and taken to the nearest general hospital for further examination.

"The main challenge we face is the presence of wild animals," Dwi added.

In January, Kusworo, Head of Basarnas, announced plans to recruit crocodile handlers for Indonesia's new capital project, Nusantara, located near Balikpapan Bay, an area known for saltwater crocodiles.

In 2023, Basarnas managed over 10 cases of wild animal attacks, including those involving saltwater and freshwater crocodiles. Kusworo aims to involve crocodile handlers to help train Basarnas personnel in Nusantara. The Balikpapan SAR office, currently with 73 personnel, covers all of East Kalimantan, including Nusantara, and ideally should have at least 150 staff.