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Monkey terror in Riau: 18 victims, schools switch to online learning
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Culture & Society

Monkey terror in Riau: 18 victims, schools switch to online learning

From CNN Indonesia · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Long-tailed macaques have attacked at least 18 residents in Tembilahan, Riau, Indonesia, over the past two weeks.
  • Nine schools in the affected area have switched to online learning as a precaution against further attacks.
  • Authorities have captured one monkey and are monitoring the situation, with all victim medical costs covered by the local government.

A series of monkey attacks has caused fear among residents in Tembilahan, Indragiri Hilir (Inhil), Riau, with at least 18 people reportedly attacked by long-tailed macaques in the last two weeks.

As a precautionary measure, nine schools in the Inhil Regency, including kindergarten, elementary, and junior high levels, have temporarily shifted to online learning. "Schools in the vicinity of the location have indeed been online since Monday, and today they are still online," said Junaidi Ismail, Head of the Inhil Fire and Rescue Service, on Friday (8/7).

Schools in the vicinity of the location have indeed been online since Monday, and today they are still online.

— Junaidi IsmailHead of the Inhil Fire and Rescue Service, explaining the shift to online learning for local schools.

The online learning is particularly affecting schools located near Parit 13 and 14 in Tembilahan Hilir, the areas where the monkey attacks have been most frequent. "Today is still online because we are assessing the situation after one monkey was caught yesterday," Junaidi added.

Today is still online because we are assessing the situation after one monkey was caught yesterday.

— Junaidi IsmailExplaining the ongoing online learning status due to the monkey situation.

Authorities have been monitoring the situation closely, as many macaques are still roaming the area. The intense attacks began on July 23, with a total of 19 reported incidents resulting in 18 victims, ranging from children as young as six to adults. Victims were attacked while playing or sleeping at home.

Junaidi confirmed that all victims have received medical attention, with the Indragiri Hilir Regency government covering all expenses, including vaccinations and ongoing monitoring. A joint team comprising the military, police, and environmental agencies has been actively involved in the response. On Thursday (8/6), a monkey was successfully trapped and taken to Pekanbaru for behavioral analysis to determine if it was responsible for the attacks.

The first attack occurred on July 23. Since then, residents have become uneasy upon seeing these long-tailed monkeys.

— Junaidi IsmailDescribing the timeline and resident reaction to the monkey attacks.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNN Indonesia in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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