JOMBANG – A shocking incident befell a student at an Islamic elementary school in Garu Hamlet, Podoroto Village, Kesamben District, Jombang Regency. HM, a 7-year-old boy, was attacked while heading out to play on Friday afternoon (18/7/2025). The attack resulted in a deep wound on his left hand, requiring stitches.

The victim’s grandfather, Mukhodim, recounted that his grandson had just finished lunch after returning from school and was on his way to a friend’s house. However, not far from home, a wild monkey suddenly ambushed him from behind.

“He was suddenly attacked from behind and scratched. There was a lot of blood. It happened very quickly,” he said.

Villagers who heard the boy’s screams rushed to the scene and took him to the nearest community health center. Since rabies vaccines were unavailable there, HM was immediately referred to Jombang General Hospital for further treatment.

“The health center didn’t have rabies vaccines, so he was taken straight to the hospital. Thankfully, he has now been treated, and his condition is improving,” Mukhodim said with relief.

Medical staff administered a rabies vaccine as a precaution. The wound on his left upper arm was severe enough to require four stitches.

This incident has alarmed local residents, as it is not the first wild monkey attack in the area. The previous week, an 8-year-old girl was also attacked in Jombatan Village, which borders Podoroto.

The Jombang Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) promptly responded to the incident. The BPBD Operations Control Center (Pusdalops) recorded two reports of wild monkey attacks within the past week.

“In Jombatan, there were three monkeys, and in Podoroto, residents spotted two. We conducted a search from evening until night but haven’t found them yet,” explained a BPBD Pusdalops staff member.

The search was carried out with the help of local residents and security personnel. They brought air rifles for safety, but darkness forced them to halt the search, which will resume the next day.

Residents of both villages are now urging local authorities to take concrete action against the growing threat of wild monkeys. Beyond disrupting children’s activities, the situation has raised concerns about rabies transmission and psychological trauma for the victims.

“We’re worried this will happen again. Children are afraid to leave their homes. The local government must provide a solution,” said a Podoroto resident.

As of this report, the wild monkeys remain at large. The Jombang BPBD is committed to continuing the search with more effective methods to ensure public safety.