Escaped Pig-Tailed Macaque Attacks Three People in Gunungkidul

A macaque escaped from the Bunder Animal Protection Unit (UPS) in Playen, Gunungkidul, and attacked three people, resulting in injuries to the victims.

One of the victims, Rubijan (50), a resident of Gading VIII, explained that he first noticed his neighbour, F (6), being embraced by a macaque on Monday (8/6) at around 4:00 PM WIB. As F and the macaque were rolling around, Rubijan approached them.

“When I tried to help, the macaque attacked me instead, causing wounds to my left arm and lower left thigh, likely from bites and scratches. However, the important thing is that F was released from the macaque’s grasp,” he told reporters on Tuesday (9/6/2026).

Due to the injuries, Rubijan required several stitches. F also sustained wounds to the lower part of his right thigh.

“After the incident, I chased the macaque away, but it ended up at the local neighbourhood head’s (RT) house,” he added.

The head of RT 08 Gading VIII, Mugiyono, stated that the macaque had ransacked the front of his house. Mugiyono placed bananas around his property to prevent further disruption.

“I also called the Fire Department, and eventually, residents decided to chase the macaque until late at night,” he said.

Despite the efforts of Mugiyono and the residents, the pursuit was unsuccessful. However, Mugiyono later received information that the macaque had been captured today.

“I received news that the macaque was caught today. The capture was carried out by officers from Bunder,” he noted.

Following the incident, Mugiyono expressed disappointment that the BKSDA (Natural Resources Conservation Agency) has not yet visited the two residents who were victims of the attack. He also called for better notifications regarding escaped animals from enclosures.

“Up until now, no one has visited my two residents; they are covering their own medical costs. My point is, even though this was an accident, at least there should be some gesture of care or an inquiry into their well-being,” he said.

The Head of BKSDA Jogja, Darmanto, stated that the macaque had been loose from the Bunder UPS since Sunday (7/6) afternoon. The animal had also attacked BKSDA officers on duty.

“On Sunday around 4:00 PM WIB, the animal enclosure broke, allowing the animal to escape. At 4:20 PM, the animal attacked the duty officers at UPS Bunder,” he explained.

Following the incident, the macaque fled, prompting an immediate search by officers. Ultimately, the animal was captured today.

“The animal was successfully captured at 11:25 AM WIB and has been evacuated back to UPS Bunder,” he concluded.