Shark Attack Indonesia - What To Know

Imogene Simonis 23 Jun 2025

Indonesia, a place well-known for its truly vibrant ocean life, does, however, see its share of incidents involving sharks. For people who love the ocean, it is something to think about, just a little, when they are planning a trip to these beautiful waters. While the vast majority of interactions are peaceful, some encounters, regrettably, do happen, making it wise to be informed.

You know, some parts of this amazing country have seen more of these occurrences than others. So, places like the Riau Islands and East Nusa Tenggara, they are areas where folks have reported more shark interactions. It is not something to cause panic, but rather, a piece of information to keep in mind, kind of, as you explore.

For anyone thinking about visiting, or actually already there, it is quite helpful to know a bit about what steps you can take to stay safe. It is all about being aware, you see, and making choices that help keep your ocean adventures happy and without worry. We can look at what has happened and what people can do, more or less, to feel good about their time in the water.

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A Closer Look at Incidents in Indonesian Waters
What Happened to Colleen Monfore in Indonesia?
Colleen Monfore - A Life Remembered
Could a Medical Issue Play a Role in Shark Attack Incidents?
Where Do Shark Attack Incidents Occur Most in Indonesia?
Staying Safe - What Precautions Can Travelers Take Against Shark Attack in Indonesia?
Understanding the Trends of Shark Attack in Indonesia

A Closer Look at Incidents in Indonesian Waters

When we look at the big picture of shark encounters in Indonesia, it is interesting to note some figures. So, there have been, in fact, a total of 23 reported shark incidents in this part of the world. Out of those, a significant number, 15 to be exact, have sadly resulted in fatalities. That brings the percentage of fatal encounters to about 65.22%, which is, you know, a pretty high figure when you think about it.

It is also worth considering how these encounters happen. Apparently, a good many of them, 17 to be precise, occurred without any obvious provocation. These are the ones that sort of, well, just happen unexpectedly. Then there are the others, 6 of them, which were actually provoked by humans, in some way. This distinction is, in a way, quite important for understanding the nature of these interactions.

What Happened to Colleen Monfore in Indonesia?

There is one particular story that really highlights the serious nature of these events, and that is the case of Colleen Monfore. She was an American tourist, enjoying what was supposed to be a dream diving vacation with her friends in Indonesia. Tragically, she went missing during her trip, and what happened next was, quite honestly, chilling. Her body, or what was left of it, was later found inside the stomach of a shark, which is, you know, just an awful thing to imagine.

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Colleen, who was 68 years old, disappeared while on a diving boat trip with six of her friends. They were exploring the waters around Pulau Reong island, a place known for its natural beauty. She was reported missing on September 26th, after strong sea currents apparently swept her away. It was a situation that, basically, turned a wonderful holiday into a terrible ordeal for everyone involved.

The news of her remains being found inside a shark’s stomach came from multiple sources, including friends who were with her. It was a very sad confirmation of what many had feared. This incident, you see, really brought home the potential dangers that can exist in even the most beautiful ocean environments, and it is something that, like, really sticks with you.

Colleen Monfore - A Life Remembered

Colleen Monfore, at 68 years old, was from Michigan, and also had ties to South Dakota. She was, by all accounts, enjoying a dream holiday, immersing herself in the clear waters off Indonesia. Her passion for diving brought her to this distant land with a group of close companions. It is a reminder that these incidents, you know, affect real people with real lives and loved ones.

It is difficult to imagine the shock and sadness her friends must have felt. They were on a shared adventure, and then, suddenly, everything changed. Her story, in a way, became a very stark example of the unexpected risks that can sometimes come with exploring the natural world. It makes you, like, really think about how quickly things can shift.

Colleen Monfore - Personal Details
Age	68 years old
Origin	Michigan, South Dakota (USA)
Activity	Diving vacation with friends
Location of Disappearance	Pulau Reong island, Indonesia

Could a Medical Issue Play a Role in Shark Attack Incidents?

Interestingly, for Colleen Monfore’s case, there was some discussion, you know, about whether a medical condition might have played a part. Her friends, speaking to the post, suggested that she might have experienced a medical issue while diving, possibly even before any encounter with a shark. This idea, in a way, changes the perspective on what might have actually happened.

So, the thinking was that she might have, perhaps, become incapacitated due to a health problem while in the water. If that were the case, then the shark encounter, tragically, would have happened to someone already in a very vulnerable state. It is a theory that, basically, adds another layer to the understanding of this very sad event, making it, like, even more complex.

Where Do Shark Attack Incidents Occur Most in Indonesia?

When we look at the map of Indonesia, two areas tend to pop up more often when it comes to shark encounters. These are the Riau Islands and East Nusa Tenggara. These regions, it seems, have registered the most reports of shark attacks over time. It is useful information for anyone spending time in these waters, just to be aware of the historical data, you know.

Understanding these locations helps, in a way, to focus any discussions about precautions or specific risks. It is not to say that incidents do not happen elsewhere, but these two spots appear to be, like, more frequently mentioned in the records. So, if you are planning to visit these areas, it is just a little extra reason to be mindful of your surroundings.

Staying Safe - What Precautions Can Travelers Take Against Shark Attack in Indonesia?

For anyone heading into the ocean, especially in places where sharks live, taking some sensible steps can make a big difference. First off, it is usually a good idea to avoid swimming or diving at dawn or dusk. These are times when many marine creatures, including sharks, are more active, you know, looking for food. So, sticking to midday can be a bit safer.

Also, if you have any open wounds or are bleeding, it is really best to stay out of the water. Sharks have an incredible sense of smell, and blood can, basically, attract them. It is just a simple precaution that can, like, reduce risk significantly. Another tip is to avoid wearing shiny jewelry, as the glint can sometimes look like fish scales, which might, arguably, attract a shark’s attention.

Swimming alone is another thing to reconsider. There is, you know, safety in numbers. If you are with a group, there are more eyes to spot things, and it is just generally a safer way to enjoy the water. And, of course, always pay attention to local warnings or advisories. If lifeguards or local authorities say it is not safe, then, basically, listen to them. They know the area best, after all.

Understanding the Trends of Shark Attack in Indonesia

Getting a clearer picture of shark encounters in Indonesia involves looking at the data over time. We have seen, as a matter of fact, that out of 23 total incidents, 15 have been fatal. This gives us a percentage of 65.22% for fatal outcomes, which is, you know, quite a significant figure. It shows that while these events are rare, they can be very serious when they do occur.

The records also show us that a large portion of these encounters, 17 of them, were unprovoked. This means they happened without any direct human action to trigger the shark. The remaining 6, however, were provoked by human activity. This distinction helps us, in a way, to understand the different circumstances under which these interactions happen, and it is, like, pretty important for overall safety discussions.

There is also an overview of these events that includes a timeline of unprovoked encounters, along with a graph that shows the overall trends. This kind of statistical information is very helpful for researchers and for anyone trying to get a better grasp of the patterns. It helps to see, basically, how things have developed over the years and what might be contributing to these numbers. It is, you know, all part of building a more complete picture.