Indonesia traps monkey suspected of terrorising town and injuring 17 people

Authorities in Indonesia have captured a wild monkey suspected of injuring at least 17 people during a weeks-long series of attacks in Riau province, local media reported.

The macaque was captured in Tembilahan town in Indragiri Hilir Regency after police, military personnel, firefighters and wildlife officials launched a joint operation and set traps in areas where it was believed to be hiding, according to JPNN.

Indragiri Hilir Police Chief Donny Eko Listianto said the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Agency installed three traps, one of which caught the animal.

Authorities believe the macaque was responsible for a string of attacks that began on July 25.

Schools closed

According to The Jakarta Post, 17 people, including children and elderly residents, had been attacked as of Thursday after a troop of long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) appeared around Tembilahan.

Officials said a large adult male was suspected of carrying out the attacks, which occurred on roads, outside homes and inside several residences. Some victims required stitches.

The incidents prompted authorities to order schools across Tembilahan district to switch to remote learning for three days starting on Wednesday over safety concerns.

Officials said the captured macaque matched descriptions provided by victims and witnesses, citing its size, aggressive behaviour and a distinctive scar-like mark on its face, according to JPNN.

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Source: TRT