InfoSAWIT, BULUNGAN – A palm oil plantation manager in Bulungan Regency, identified as Sa (40), was found dead, suspected to have committed suicide in the palm oil plantation area of Sajau Hilir Village, Tanjung Palas Timur District, on Saturday (December 21). The victim is believed to have taken his own life due to frustration stemming from a long-term illness that required significant financial resources for treatment.
The Bulungan Police Chief, AKBP Rofikoh Yunianto, S.I.K., through the Public Relations Officer of Bulungan Police, Ipda Magdalena Lawai, S.Sos., explained that the victim's body was first discovered by a palm oil harvester, SO, at around 09:30 WITA. Upon discovery, the victim was hanging from a tree using a rope approximately 75 cm long.
“This incident was only discovered after the victim was found hanging by one of the employees of the palm oil company. We immediately conducted a crime scene investigation and transported the body to the hospital for an autopsy,” Ipda Magdalena stated, as quoted by InfoSAWIT from Radar Tarakan on Wednesday (December 25, 2024).
The events leading up to the tragedy began on Friday (December 20) at 06:30 WITA, when the victim left the staff quarters on a black Honda Beat motorcycle. He was seen briefly by several colleagues, NN, YI, and JI, before he went missing. By nightfall, the victim had not returned to the staff quarters, prompting his colleagues to search for him.
The following morning, SO discovered the victim lifeless in the plantation area and promptly reported his findings to other employees, who then contacted the police.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the victim was under severe stress due to a debilitating illness that required costly treatment but showed no signs of improvement. “We are still awaiting the results of the autopsy and further examinations to confirm the cause of death,” Ipda Magdalena added.
The police have taken various measures, including conducting a crime scene investigation, collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and transporting the body to Tanjung Selor Regional Hospital for a forensic examination. As of now, further investigations are ongoing to ensure there are no signs of violence or other suspicious circumstances.
Ipda Magdalena urged the community to be more attentive to the mental and physical health of those around them. “This case serves as a reminder for everyone to pay more attention to those who are facing pressure or serious problems,” she said.
She also encouraged individuals not to hesitate to seek help, whether from family, friends, or professionals, when dealing with significant issues or stress. (T2)