Farmers complain of rampaging monkeys

SUKOHARJO, Central Java: Farmers from villages in Bulu subdistrict nearby the Central Java town of Sukoharjo have been taking turns over the past two years at keeping their plantations free from hungry monkeys.

Harjono, a farmer in the village of Dranjang, said thousands of monkeys have destroyed around 10 hectares of banana, nut and cassava plantations in several villages over the last 10 months.

"The monkeys are not afraid of people approaching them when they are hungry. They often suddenly appear, so we have to continue guarding our plantations," he said.

Suwanto, head of the village of Dranjang, said the monkeys live in the nearby forest and frequently come out in search of food, which is getting scarce.

The latest raid by monkeys has caused Rp 4.5 million in losses to each farmer in the village, he said.

In an attempt to prevent more attacks, local forestry officials said they planned to grow trees that will produce fruit for monkeys.--Antara