Outliers: They're not monkeying around in Jakarta

Indonesia's capital is getting rid of the monkey business.

Security forces in Jakarta are conducting raids to rescue macaques used in masked monkey performances on Jakarta's streets, partly in the name of public health.

The order came from Jakarta Gov. Joko Widodo, better known as “Jokowi,” who wants all roadside monkey performances—known here as topeng monyet—gone by next year.

He said that besides improving public order and stopping animal abuse, the move is aimed at preventing diseases carried by the monkeys, such as hepatitis and tuberculosis.

The city government will buy back all monkeys used as street buskers for about $90 and shelter them at a 2½-acre preserve at Jakarta's Ragunan Zoo. Those who used the monkeys in street performances will be provided with vocational training to help find new jobs.

Animal rights groups have long campaigned for a ban on the shows, which often involve monkeys wearing plastic baby doll masks. They say the monkeys are hung from chains for long periods to train them to walk on their hind legs like humans. Their teeth are pulled so they can't bite, and they are tortured to remain obedient. The monkeys are often outfitted in dresses and cowboy hats and forced to carry parasols or ride tiny bikes.

Femke den Haas of the Jakarta Animal Aid Network welcomed the decision, saying at least 22 monkeys have been rescued and quarantined for health issues since the sweep began in October. She estimated that about 350 animals work as street performers in Jakarta, adding they are no longer able to live with other primates in zoos and cannot defend themselves in the wild.

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