Killing two boars with one stone

Killing two boars with one stone

JAKARTA (JP): An official in Jambi, the latest province eager to prove itself as one of Indonesia's latest tourist destinations, has come up with a novel plan to attract visitors and kill boars, a major pest to local farmers, at the same time: boar hunting.

Sarolangun Bangko Regency Chief Zainul Imron said boars are now farmers' number one enemy because they constantly threaten their crops, Antara reported.

Zainul's plan, however, is restricted to turning the traditional boar hunting season into a tourist attraction. He did not say whether visitors would be allowed to take part in the hunting.

"If we could turn boar hunting into regular events, it would have the potential to draw tourists, and at the same time help get rid of the pests," he was quoted as saying.

He appealed to people in Jambi who enjoy boar hunting to maintain their pastime and help farmers raise their crop production.

Other provinces in Sumatra, including Lampung and West Sumatra, regularly invite members of the Indonesian Sharpshooters Association in Jakarta and elsewhere to practice their skills by hunting boars in their areas. (emb)