Highlighting the attack by wild monkeys on residents in Tembilahan, Riau, Daniel Johan, a member of Commission IV of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the PKB faction, urged that the incident should not be viewed merely as a wildlife incident. He stressed that it should serve as a warning that something is wrong with the balance of the forest ecosystem in the area.
“If monkeys repeatedly enter residential areas and attack residents, it is most likely because they have lost their food sources in their natural habitat, whether due to shrinking forests, changes in land cover, or environmental damage. The root cause of the problem needs to be identified,” Daniel told the media on Friday, August 7, 2026.
Therefore, he called for a comprehensive investigation into the condition of the forests surrounding Tembilahan. He said this is important to determine whether there has been deforestation, forest fires, land conversion, or other factors that have forced wildlife to leave their habitat.
“These findings should serve as the basis for improving the management of forests and buffer zones so that they continue to function as homes and food sources for wildlife,” he said.
Daniel hopes that the handling of the wild monkeys will continue to prioritize conservation principles, with the animals being evacuated and relocated to suitable habitats. He also encouraged the government and all relevant parties to strengthen public education and establish mitigation measures and early warning systems in areas vulnerable to human-wildlife conflict.
Lastly, he expressed hope that the injured residents would recover soon. He also appreciated the swift response of the Indragiri Hilir Fire and Rescue Agency (DPKP), the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA), the police, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and local residents who worked together to handle the situation on the ground.
“The incident in Tembilahan should remind us that preserving forests is an essential part of ensuring public safety. Let us work together to protect our forests so that wildlife habitats do not end up extending into residential areas,” Daniel concluded.
Earlier reports stated that a wild monkey attack occurred in Tembilahan, Indragiri Hilir, Riau, leaving 18 residents injured. According to information from the Indragiri Hilir Fire and Rescue Agency (DPKP), all of the victims have returned home after receiving medical treatment.
