Tree cutting angers elephants

BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: The continuing destruction of resin trees for oil palm plantation projects has driven wild elephants to rampaging residential areas in western Lampung, farmers said yesterday.

People in three villages in Perwakilan Bengkunat subdistrict have reported 10 cases of elephants going berserk in recent months, Antara reported.

"The elephants have lost their habitat to an oil palm plantation developed by PT KCMU and PT PPL," farmer Maidin Ardan said.

The big animals destroyed farmers' crops in Perwakilan Bengkunat.

Elephants are protected by law. Lampung has a training center for wild elephants captured to be trained to plow, remove logs or entertain people.

Two people were reported killed by rampaging elephants in Lampung earlier this week. (pan)