Unexpected Discovery of Animal Cruelty in Indonesia
Cilacap is in a unique location. It borders the Brebes and the Banyumas
Regencies to the north, the Kebumen Regency to the east, the Indian Ocean
to
the south, and the Ciamis Regency and Series City to the west. Sharing a
border with the West Javanese Province, Cilacap is renowned as a meeting
point of two cultures: the Javanese Culture (Banyumasan) with the
Sundanese
Culture (Priangan East). These rich cultures have shaped Cilacap as a
historical landmark.
During this visit to the town of Cilacap, the IFAW/CARE team focused their
efforts in the sub district of Adipala. Again, the team assisted local
veterinarian Dr. Sadewa with local relief efforts. The IFAW/CARE team
followed Dr. Sadewa through the village providing health assessments and
medical care for livestock and companion animals. Dr. Sadewa knows this
area
very well and was able to identify the names of residents just by looking
at
the front of their house.
The team stopped in front of a house who Dr. Sadewa said was owned by a
pensioner named Kapolsek. The house appearance from the front was typical
and the team anticipated treatment of livestock surrounding the house.
Soon
after arriving, the team was lead behind the house to where the owner
claimed to keep his animals. It was here where the team witnessed man¡¦s
cruelest act of animal abuse, yet could do nothing other than stand in
shock.
The team was looking at two of Indonesia¡¦s most endangered primates: the
orangutan and the siamang. The orangutan was being kept in a small
confined
cage consisting of a cement floor and strong metal bars. The owner
admitted
that the orangutan had been taken from its mother when it was a baby, most
likely smuggled into the island of Java from the forests of Kalimantan,
Borneo. The team could see the stress and sadness in the animal¡¦s eyes; a
result of being pressured to live in a 2x3 cubic meter prison.
The siamang, living on the same property, was in just as poor health as
the
orangutan. Consequently, the behavior the siamang displayed (or lack there
of) clearly depicted an animal who has been mentally damaged for life. The
animal appeared to have been stabbed as well. The owner admitted to
forcing
the siamang to eat only human food. The team was very concerned for the
welfare of both animals and was therefore quick to relate their
frustrations
to the owner.
Due to witnessing the condition of these two animals, the team confirmed
that educational programs must reach more children, encouraging them to
respect and protect the countries wildlife, not to exploit it. In addition
to committing to further educational programs, the team wants to persuade
Adipala to take steps to conserve wildlife, to understand the importance
of
protecting Indonesia¡¦s forests and to encourage residents not to keep
wild
animals as pets. Lastly, the IFAW/CARE team has asked the regional
government to strengthen regional regulations, particularly against the
exploitation of animals. Those that own, hunt and sell wildlife need to be
reprimanded for their actions.
Despite providing medical relief to livestock and companion animals in the
Adipala area, the IFAW/CARE team left feeling heartbroken. Clearly, one
can
never predict what the next day will bring.
View Photo at http://www.ifaw.org/ifaw/general/default.aspx?oid=177374
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