Monkey injures 18 in Indonesia over two weeks

A macaque monkey terrorized residents of Tembilahan, Indonesia, over two weeks, injuring 18 people in a series of attacks. The monkey, described as an adult long-tailed macaque, primarily targeted victims when they were alone, leaving some requiring extensive medical attention, including over a dozen stitches and rabies vaccinations.

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Up to today, 19 attacks have been registered, affecting 18 people. One victim was attacked twice.

Authorities captured the monkey late Thursday using a trap set in the city. A video released Friday showed the animal alive and seemingly agitated inside a cage. The incident has prompted calls for caution, with officials warning that the monkey might belong to a group and that other aggressive monkeys could still be present.

In response to the attacks, forty schools were temporarily closed, and hundreds of students were instructed to learn remotely for three days. Local authorities stated that schools would reopen on Monday if the area is deemed safe. The captured monkey has been transported to Pekanbaru for disease testing by a conservation agency.

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We are concerned that there may be other monkeys attacking people.

Human-wildlife conflicts are common in Indonesia, particularly in areas where deforestation for palm oil plantations encroaches on animal habitats. Conservationists are concerned about the dwindling populations of species like monkeys, elephants, and tigers.

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We want to find out if the monkey is carrying any diseases.