Cari English Menparekraf: Tomohon International Flower Festival Plays an Important Role to Attract Tourists TEKS › English›Menparekraf: Tomohon.. Iklan Menparekraf: Tomohon International Flower Festival Plays an Important Role to Attract Tourists The government is targeting 1.4 billion domestic tourist trips and the arrival of at least 8.5 million foreign tourists throughout 2023 such as the Tomohon International Flower Festival Audio Berita This article has been translated using AI. See Original Please note that this article was automatically translated using Microsoft Azure AI, Open AI, and Google Translation AI. We cannot ensure that the entire content is translated accurately. If you spot any errors or inconsistencies, contact us at hotline@kompas.id and we'll make every effort to address them TEKS The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno (center) beat the drums together with Tomohon Mayor Caroll Senduk (left) and Tomohon Vice Mayor Wenny Lumentut (right) in the opening of the Tomohon International Flower Festival or TIFF 2023 in Tomohon KOMPAS - The government targets 1.4 billion domestic tourist trips and at least 8.5 million foreign tourists arrivals throughout 2023 The achievement of this target is sought by intensifying international-scale events The Tomohon International Flower Festival (TIFF) officially began in Tomohon City with a celebration of folk art performances of dance and music by local communities The flower festival will last for five days and culminate on Saturday (12/8/2023) with a flower-decorated vehicle parade The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf) Sandiaga Uno expressed his appreciation to the city government for always maintaining its commitment by holding the festival every year TIFF is also included in the list of flagship events of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy "Karisma Events Nusantara has established TIFF as a national-class event and ready to go international so that we hope that TIFF 2023 will become the locomotive of the event Decorated vehicles were built in preparation for the Tomohon International Flower Festival 2023 in Tomohon Sandiaga inspected the float decoration with chrysanthemum flowers planted by Tomohon farmers There are 27 floats that the TIFF committee has prepared for the parade Each float is built and decorated by 6-10 decorators Sandiaga does not hesitate to mention flowers as one of the advantages that can be used as a tourism marketing tool in Tomohon "The impact of the flower ecosystem on Tomohon's economy is enormous it can open up more than 300 direct job opportunities and thousands of indirect job opportunities," he said Also read: Manado Tourism Polytechnic Targets to Fully Operate in 2024 This was confirmed by the Mayor of Tomohon The city government buys 300,000-400,000 chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum) from around 20 local flower growers through decorators This is in line with the central government's target to open 4.4 million job opportunities in the tourism sector nationally by 2023 an increase from 2.6 million job opportunities in 2022 TIFF is believed to be able to contribute to achieving this target The decorators are preparing the decorations for the decorated vehicles as part of the preparation for the Tomohon International Flower Festival 2023 in Tomohon Sandiaga also hopes that TIFF this year can attract 300,000 tourists to Tomohon the record for visits to Tomohon during TIFF was achieved in 2019 with 258,000 tourists This optimistic target is in line with the government's desire to realize 1.4 billion domestic tourist trips and at least 8.5 million foreign tourists during 2023 "We will also maximize the Likupang Superpriority Destinations," said Sandiaga "I will quickly move to increase the number of flights stated that he hoped that the number of foreign tourist visits to North Sulawesi would reach 100,000 was achieved in 2019 thanks to the existence of Lion Air's charter flight routes from Manado to eight cities in China Olly is optimistic that it can be achieved if the current frequency of international flights is increased this time on a regular instead of charter basis Soon China Southern Airlines will be four times a week Children dance in the opening ceremony of the Tomohon International Flower Festival 2023 in Tomohon Several chartered flights from China have started to recover but 75 percent of the passengers are mining workers who will continue their journey to Central Sulawesi Olly requested the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy to increase flight frequency he also promised to coordinate with the Ministry of Transportation to increase the number of domestic flights and reduce ticket prices Also read: Third Time in 2023, International Flight Routes to Manado Open The Tomohon International Flower Festival is currently being held on Aug 7-12 with full support from Indonesia's Tourism Ministry The festival takes place in the mountainous city of Tomohon in North Sulawesi long famous for its wide variety of flowers which has earned it the nickname of "city of flowers." The event will include many interesting activities including live performances by artists from Jakarta "Local artists will also perform at the event as well," Tomohon Mayor Jimmy Feidie Eman said on Saturday (05/08) The flower festival is now part of the Tourism Ministry's annual agenda and fully organized by the Tomohon regional administration This year's festival is set to be the most spectacular ever since it is being held during the right season The flowers failed to bloom in time for the parade This year we will add more flowers as well," Jimmy said The Tourism Ministry’s tourism development deputy Esthy Reko Astuti said the main flower parade will take place along the main streets of Tomohon featuring flower floats with various themes "We will have exotic flowers on the floats combined with outfits by local and national fashion designers," Esthy said tourist destinations and other attractions in Tomohon and North Sulawesi "We expect this international festival to attract both local and international visitors It will have a great impact on the economy in Tomohon," Esthy said Tourism Minister Arief Yahya meanwhile said the annual festival has empowered many local communities "The economic impact is felt not only locally They need to hire a lot of workers to decorate the floats," Arief said Arief hoped the international event will attract more visitors to the city and other parts of North Sulawesi more than 26,000 international visitors and 240,000 local visitors came to the city of flowers Cari English ASF Issues Continue to Spread, Pork Prices in Tomohon Fall TEKS › English›ASF Issues Continue to Spread,.. Pork Prices in Tomohon Fall The price of pork set by traders in Tomohon has decreased in response to the issue of African swine fever or ASF across the province The city government confirmed the animal deaths Audio Berita This article has been translated using AI. See Original Pork meat is being sold at Beriman Wilken Market in Tomohon The issue of pig death in farms due to African swine fever (ASF) has caused the price of pork to decrease to the range of Rp 40,000-Rp 55,000 from the usual price of Rp 50,000-Rp 65,000 per kilogram KOMPAS - The price of pork set by traders in Tomohon has dropped as a response to the African Swine Fever (ASF) issue throughout the province The city government confirmed the large number of animal deaths on farms but emphasized that it was not caused by ASF the price of pork at Beriman Wilken Market ranged from Rp 40,000 to Rp 55,000 per kilogram (kg) the thigh part is currently priced at Rp 45,000 per kg down from its normal price of Rp 55,000 to Rp 60,000 per kg stated that the price has been in effect for the past month in line with the spread of news about the suspected ASF-related pig deaths The ribs also remained that much," he said he stated that the traders are not the ones who suffer losses Because the traders only adjust the price dynamics that have been set on the farm when buying live pigs to be slaughtered later The issue of pig deaths in farms due to African Swine Fever (ASF) has caused pork prices to drop to around Rp 40,000-Rp 55,000 from the usual range of Rp 50,000-Rp 65,000 per kilogram the normal price of live pigs on farms is Rp 35,000-Rp 36,000 per kg but now it is only Rp 27,000-Rp 28,000 per kg he has experienced a decrease in sales volume This is due to consumer concern about the threat of health disruptions Also read: ASF Suspicious Pig Farmers Already in North Sulawesi, Government Says None is now selling pork at a price of IDR 100,000 per 3 kg or about IDR 33,300 per kg "This price has dropped for more than a month That's what makes the price drop," he said The price in Sonder had gone viral on social media Michael said that the suspicions of the community about the sale of meat from sick pigs had become stronger the amount of pigs he sells every week has decreased from eight to just six Pork is being sold at Beriman Wilken Market in Tomohon The issue of pig deaths on farms due to African swine fever (ASF) that has not yet been confirmed has led to a decrease in the price of pork to the range of Rp 40,000-Rp 55,000 from the usual Rp 50,000-Rp 65,000 per kilogram Paul and Michael hope that the government can immediately clarify the issue of the existence of ASF in Tomohon and North Sulawesi in general to alleviate public concern "We hope that prices remain stable so that everyone can live well The Head of the Tomohon Agriculture and Fisheries Office confirmed that there has been a large number of pig deaths in the city which has a population of 100,587 people in 2020 The number of deaths has not yet been summarized Karel emphasized that the incident was not caused by ASF "The results of our analysis show that there are diseases such as hog cholera (hog cholera) or other common diseases for the time being there is no hog cholera vaccine that has entered North Sulawesi we are trying to get the vaccine in as soon as possible," he said samples from dead pigs have been taken to be tested at the Balai Besar Veteriner Maros laboratory in South Sulawesi Karel mentioned that the test is specifically for detecting ASF ASF has not been proven to exist," he continued Residents carry a pig to be sold at the Beriman Market in the city of Tomohon the Chairman of the North Sulawesi Pig Farmers Association stated that the farmers were also concerned about the news of large numbers of pig deaths in the barns although the figures could not yet be confirmed The farmers assumed that ASF was already present in North Sulawesi the selling price of livestock in the cages now only amounts to Rp 29,000 per live kg live pigs are no longer sold at normal prices Perhaps because the farmers are panicking and do not know how to sell," he said The North Sulawesi Department of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry has urged the public not to worry about consuming pork farmers are advised to limit access to their farms Also read: Provincial Government of North Sulawesi Promises to Prepare Emergency Funds for ASF Mitigation Act Now: The dog meat trade is not only cruel and unnecessary but is also linked to the spread of diseases More Than a Pet: Help keep people and pets together A Humane World: A first-hand account of our ongoing efforts to protect animals as told by our president and CEO, Kitty Block HSI transported the 24 dogs to its care and rehabilitation center near Washington veterinary care and time to heal from their ordeal they will be placed with shelter and rescue partners where they will be prepared for adoption into loving homes the HSI and AFMI campaigners saved a total of 25 dogs and three cats from being bludgeoned and blowtorched to death for human consumption One dog named Daisy was subsequently adopted by HSI rescuer Lola Webber who lives in Indonesia and all three cats also found loving homes on the island country More than 130,000 dogs and countless cats annually are slaughtered in public markets across Indonesia’s island of Sulawesi with more than 1 million dogs a year killed for the meat trade nationwide HSI’s director of Ending Dog Meat campaigns change came literally just in time in Tomohon who utterly stole my heart when we rescued her I am filled with hope for these wonderful dogs as they begin their journey to find happy homes in the United States Daisy was at one of the slaughterhouses we closed down that supplied Tomohon Extreme Market and which alone had killed hundreds of these terrified animals every week for years It was a filthy place with a blood-stained floor and emaciated dogs crammed in steel cages I will never forget the look of fear in their eyes These poor animals witnessed and experienced unimaginable brutality and traumatizing cruelty But I know how transformative love can be for dogs and cats rescued from the meat trade Sweet Daisy is living proof that with kindness these dogs can look forward to happy futures surrounded by families who love them Daisy is adored by my husband and me and our four children I can’t wait to see the same happy ending for Romeo Ms Webber says: “In addition to the immense animal suffering the dog and cat meat trades cause they also pose a very real danger to public health particularly through the spread of the deadly rabies virus butchery and consumption can all facilitate rabies transmission and rabies-positive dogs have been found for sale at markets throughout Indonesia there are compelling animal and human welfare reasons for Indonesia to be the next country in Asia to finally ban this trade.” In November last year a host of Hollywood and Indonesian stars wrote a letter to President Joko Widodo urging him to ban the dog and cat meat trades alongside Indonesian mega-stars Bubah Alfian called for a ban “so that we can soon celebrate a truly dog and cat meat-free Indonesia.”  The stars went on to say: “We stand strong with the overwhelming majority of Indonesian citizens and international visitors who oppose the dog and cat meat trades and believe in protecting animals from cruelty and exploitation.” HSI’s rescues and dog transports are conducted in compliance with national and local animal and public health recommendations the animals were evaluated by a veterinarian leptospira and screened for illness as needed to ensure the health of each animal and to comply with international export and import requirements the dogs were further cleared by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention before being received at the care and rehabilitation center Download photos and video of the dogs and cats being rescued here Download photos and video of the dogs on their Indonesia to USA journey here Download photos and video of the dog meat trade at Tomohon Extreme Market (May 2023) here A list of the shelter and rescue partners at which the dogs are placed will be available here once that information becomes available © 2025 Humane World for Animals is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Contributions to the Humane World for Animals are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law The Humane World for Animals tax identification number is 53-0225390 Humane Society International and Animal Friends Manado Indonesia save 25 dogs and 3 cats as Tomohon’s network of slaughterhouses finally close WARNING: This content includes graphic descriptions of animals being killed Indonesia―Indonesia’s notorious Tomohon “Extreme” Market in North Sulawesi province has officially banned the dog and cat meat trade in an historic agreement that will spare thousands of animals from being bludgeoned and blowtorched to death for human consumption Twenty five dogs and three cats found alive at the slaughterhouses that supplied the market were rescued by Humane Society International as part of the deal and have been taken to a nearby partner sanctuary to receive emergency veterinary treatment and care until they are ready to find their forever homes The last six remaining dog and cat traders signed an historic agreement to permanently close and end all trafficking The agreement will also disrupt the vast supply network of dog and cat thieves and traffickers involved in the punishingly long-distance transport of these animals that spans the entire island of Sulawesi also signed into law a ban on all future dog and cat meat trading at the market in recognition of the grave risk of rabies transmission bringing an end to one of the most shocking and barbaric practices at this notorious market HSI’s director of campaigns to end the dog meat trade said: “With Tomohon Extreme Market going dog and cat meat-free in addition to the permanent closure of the slaughterhouses that killed hundreds of these animals every week shutting down business for the traders’ vast network of traffickers North Sulawesi is an epicenter of Indonesia’s cruel and dangerous dog and cat meat trade; the cruelty is obscene and the public health risks from open slaughter and contaminated meat are unparalleled It is a huge victory for animal welfare and public safety that never again will dogs and cats be bludgeoned and blowtorched at Tomohon market and we hope this unprecedented agreement will set the standard for other markets and leaders to follow.” In addition to directly decreasing the supply of dog and cat meat in this hotspot city HSI hopes this ban will increase pressure on the government to take more seriously the enormous public health risk posed by Indonesia’s dog and cat meat trades nationally Trans-provincial trafficking of dogs into densely populated cities facilitates the spread of the deadly rabies virus Studies reveal growing evidence that dog slaughter butchery and consumption help transmit rabies and expose people and rabies-positive dogs have been found for sale at markets throughout North Sulawesi Rabies is rampant in many parts of Indonesia endemic in all but eight of its 37 provinces Perhaps unsurprisingly North Sulawesi Province has some of the highest rates of human deaths attributed to rabies in Indonesia every year and killing of dogs for consumption undermines rabies control and elimination plans as it significantly increases the risks of human exposures to infected dogs The public health threat of rabies can be eliminated by mass dog vaccination programmes strict dog movement controls and reducing human exposures to infected dogs all of which are undermined by the illegal dog meat trade.” Tomohon Extreme Market was officially declared dog and cat meat-free with a banner erected at the entrance of the market and a ceremony at the mayor’s office Mayor Senduk said: “I am very proud that Tomohon Extreme Market is the first to introduce a ground-breaking agreement between traders and animal welfare campaigners on a dog and cat meat-free declaration In addition to ending public displays of cruelty this is an important step in protecting our communities against the threat of rabies and other diseases.” who has traded and slaughtered dogs and cats for meat at the market for over 25 years agrees that the time has come to end the trade He said: “I have probably slaughtered thousands of dogs for Tomohon Market over the years I would try not to think about it too much but every now and then I would see the fear in their eyes or see their tail wag hopefully as I came for them I know that this ban is best for the animals and also best to protect the public and our families too If Indonesia is on a path towards banning the trade completely then we at Tomohon have played a small part in making history.” The dogs and cats saved by HSI and partner group AFMI are now recovering at AFMI’s nearby sanctuary the only companion animal sanctuary operating in the province The severely traumatised and dehydrated dogs and cats received emergency veterinary care on arrival and will have a loving home alongside the sanctuary’s other animal guests until they find their forever homes Frank Delano from AFMI said: “We are thrilled to welcome our new companions to our sanctuary where they will never have to fear pain and abuse ever again With love and patience their physical and mental wounds will heal from the trauma they must have experienced at the hands of the dog meat traders The trucks packed with hundreds of terrified dogs and cats have driven past our sanctuary on their way to Tomohon Market virtually every day It was the saddest scene to witness and we are so happy we will never see those trucks again.” Download video and photos of the last remaining dogs and cats being rescued Download video and photos of the dog meat trade at Tomohon Extreme Market (May 2023) North Sulawesi police have harassed and intimidated members of the press in two separate incidents The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliates the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) Indonesia and SINDIKASI in condemning the harassment and intimidation of members of the press and urging the authorities to respect their obligations under Indonesian Press Law On October 29, police officers from Polres Tomohon, North Sulawesi, summoned local Manado Pos journalist Julius Laatung for his coverage of an illegal lottery. In a statement to his home newspaper, Laatung said he was approached by five police officers and forced to come to Tomohon Police station Law enforcement allegedly demanded Laatung surrender his phone In a separate incident on November 7, North Sulawesi police harassed and arrested Sulawesian reporter Noufriadi Sururama while he was at a land dispute protest in Mandolang Police officers asked for Sururama’s identity card but according to reports did not respect his press card Law enforcement apprehended the journalist Sururama was detained and taken to the Manado Precinct Police office In 2017, the Indonesian Press Council signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Police agreeing to decriminalise journalistic practice and respect press freedom disputes over news reporting must be settled through a press council mechanism which includes the right to reply and corrections SINDIKASI said: “Intimidation creates a climate of fear for journalists to criticise the police SINDIKASI urges the police to impose sanctions on its members who intimidated the journalists and ensure all police officers respect press freedom AJI said: “Press Law guarantees protection for journalists AJI condemns what police officers did to Laatung and all forms of intimidation that threaten press freedom The precinct police of Tomohon must respect the MoU with the Press Council Police must provide an official statement on why they arrested Sururama along with several protestors If Sururama was detained because of his duties as a journalist then this is clearly a violation of press law” The IFJ said: “Intimidation of the press must end Journalists and media workers must be allowed to do their jobs safely and freely The IFJ urges the police to respect their obligations under Indonesian Press Law and cease their harassment and intimidation of journalists and media workers.” For further information contact IFJ Asia - Pacific on [email protected] The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 140 countries Twitter: @ifjasiapacific, on Facebook: IFJAsiaPacific and Instagram the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) on behalf of the South Asia Media Solidarity Network (SAMSN),… Many IFJ affiliates are taking action to mark World Press Freedom Day on 3 May Here is a non-exhaustive list of their initiatives Senior journalist Juan “Johnny” Dayang was shot and killed when an unknown gunman fired into his Barangay Andagao residence in Kalibo The International Federation of Journalists is the global voice of journalists it is the world’s largest organisation of journalists representing 600,000 media professionals in 187 unions and associations in more than 140 countries IFJ - International Federation of Journalists It was an incredibly moving sight: My Humane Society International colleagues and their local partners marked the end of the dog and cat meat trades at Indonesia’s most infamous market by rescuing those who would have been the final victims of this reprehensible commerce Working with the city government and the remaining traders, we were able to secure a permanent ban on the sale and slaughter of dogs and cats at the market ensuring the safety of the animals who would have been sent to slaughter never again will another dog or cat experience the horrors that countless others have endured at this market we now have a chance to show them the compassion The cruelties dogs and cats have suffered at Tomohon Extreme Market over the decades are shocking—bludgeoned with wooden bats and burned with blowtorches to remove their fur despite how many times we were told change was “impossible.”   But the impossible became reality on July 21. After years of campaigning and supporters making their voices heard, the mayor of Tomohon issued an order to end all sale and slaughter of dogs and cats and the selling of dog and cat meat at the market The absolute brutality that took place there is over and so is the market’s function as a hub for traffickers in dogs and cats for the meat trade on the island of Sulawesi where the trade flourishes and traffickers collect thousands of dogs for slaughter every week The end of the dog and cat meat trades at Tomohon Extreme Market and the closure of a network of traders’ slaughterhouses there will set a vital example that campaigners elsewhere can follow strengthening both national and regional efforts to achieve similar gains colleagues and allies who have made it happen the members of our HSI Companion Animals team and our close partners at Animal Friends Manado Indonesia we reached an accord with the six dog and cat meat traders still active at Tomohon Extreme Market; these traders operated the slaughterhouses that killed animals to supply the market stalls there and elsewhere in the city and region The six have committed to forever cease trading slaughter and sale of dogs and cats and their meat and to close all dog and cat meat facilities and operations including slaughterhouses and sales of live or butchered animals anywhere ever again To call such a place “notorious,” as some travel websites did I suppose; tourists might feel encouraged to stroll past its stalls and see the dog and cat meat on display alongside bushmeat and meat from other domestic animals is “sickening.” It was a place where humanity was lost Speak out against the cruel dog and cat meat trade Our campaign to end the kind of cruelty we saw at a critical market hub of the dog and cat meat trades highlights our continued focus on addressing the root causes of animal cruelty regardless of the time and effort required we are still willing and prepared to confront cruelty wherever it occurs and without regard for the strength we’ve helped to end the dog and cat meat trades in 22 jurisdictions thus far and we’re working to secure prohibitions in other markets Our work is far from over in the nations where these trades still flourish But bringing down the curtain on cruelty at Tomohon Extreme Market is a big victory and a crucial precedent that will propel our fight forward Kitty Block is the chief executive officer and president of Humane World for Animals as well as the chief executive officer of Humane World Action Fund "A Humane World" is the official blog of Humane World for Animals—a first-hand account of our ongoing efforts to protect animals Indonesia’s first-ever prosecution of dog meat traders under animal health and food safety laws represents another milestone in the global campaign to protect dogs from being slaughtered for food Earlier this month we told you about Lucky a dog saved moments before slaughter in Yulin as the city began preparing for its infamous lychee and dog meat “festival” later in June Congress this week could prevent the protracted suffering of so many horses Here are ways you can show your support for ending these cruelties TEMPO.CO, Tomohon - Head of Mt. Lokon Volcano Surveillance Post Farid R Bina in Kakaskasen South Sulawesi said that the mountain showed increasingly intensive volcanic activity "The amplitudes vary and even reach more than 40 millimeters The increasing volcanic activity began to emerge from Thursday," Farid explained in Tomohon on Saturday He said that despite decreasing intensity on Saturday at 06:00 a.m. it is still above average of five times a day in a normal condition "The increasing frequency of earthquake is due to magma and gas migration that flow to the surface," he continued Data published by magma.vsi.esdm.go.id reporting Mt Lokon volcanic activity reveals that on observation period at 12 a.m 21 earthquakes were recorded (amplitude of 10-43 millimeters) as well as one tornillo (amplitude of 41 millimeters) and 100 shallow volcanic tremors (amplitude of 3-20 millimeters) there were 35 volcanic earthquakes (amplitude of 12-42 millimeters) five tectonic movements (amplitude of 5-28 millimeters) and continuous tremors with the amplitude of 0.5-2 millimeters Lokon volcanic activity reaches level II alert," he added He expects local people and tourists to not approach the volcano mountain and do any activities in 1.5-kilometer radius from Tompaluan crater ANTARA                 Learn About the Outsourcing Practices Prabowo Intends to Scrap Prabowo: Bill Gates to Support Free Nutritious Meal Program in Indonesia Prabowo Rejects 'Puppet President' Label, Denies Jokowi's Control Manpower Minister Unveils Reasons Behind Over 24,000 Layoffs by April 2025 Prabowo Claims 99.99% Success Rate for Free Nutritious Meal Program Indonesia and Japan Deepen Strategic Alliance in Clean Energy and Infrastructure Jokowi Responds to Calls for VP Gibran's Impeachment Prabowo Praises Jokowi's Inflation Control in Cabinet Session, Denies Link to Gibran's Presence BPS: Indonesian Economic Growth Slows to 4.87% in Q1 2025 Rupiah Strengthens as US-China Trade Tension Eases Bali Volcano Mount Agung Eruption Phase Returns Mount Anak Krakatau Volcanic Ash Reaches Cilegon PVMBG: Status of 20 Indonesian Volcanoes Above Normal BMKG Ensures No Volcanic Ashes in Yogyakarta Mount Dukono Erupted 2,013 Times Last Week Govt Warns of Flash Flooding on Mount Sinabung The Pope's Role in Major Events of the Modern Era Prabowo to Host Cambodian Senate President This Afternoon Sistine Chapel Prepares for the Election of New Pope Anthony Albanese Makes Indonesia His First Visit After Winning Australian Election JYP Entertainment Apologizes for DAY6 Concert Chaos in Jakarta AJI, UNESCO Declare Commitment to Support Digital Security of Student Press BGN Chief Aims for Zero Accidents in Free Nutritious Meal Program Inside Sistine Chapel: 5 Key Facts About the Conclave's Iconic Venue Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock Reunite After 30 Years for New Film Project Exposing Trump's Move on Mike Waltz Dismissal KOSTCON 2025, the First Largest K-Drama OST Concert in Jakarta, to Take Place on August 2nd 10 Best Cities to Visit in Japan Besides Tokyo to Add to Your Bucket List 10 Recommended Budget-Friendly Tourist Destinations in the United States What Are the Cheapest Businesses to Start from Home? 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Tap to enable a layout that focuses on the article Print TOMOHON Indonesia — The sale of dog meat for consumption is technically illegal in Indonesia but visitors wouldn’t be able to tell walking through the crowded central market in Tomohon rural city in the equatorial province of North Sulawesi have no reservations about displaying the animals for sale after bludgeoning them and then charring the carcasses to remove their fur Dog meat isn’t recognized as food under Indonesian law which makes it illegal to sell in the market Workers in the trade also violate the law when they regularly transport dogs between provinces where rabies is endemic The trade persists because local governments have rarely enforced those laws The Tomohon market was the focus of videos recorded by Los Angeles animal rights activist Marc Ching when he visited the area in 2016 Horrific images from that trip appeared in a public service announcement featuring Matt Damon Rooney Mara and other celebrities in support of Ching’s charitable foundation which raises awareness about the brutality of the enduring dog meat industry in various Asian countries But a Times investigation has found evidence that contradicts Ching’s claims about the authenticity of some of the most shocking videos California Activist Marc Ching, whose work won support from Joaquin Phoenix, Matt Damon and other celebrities, denies paying butchers in Asia to harm dogs. Butchers told The Times that Ching paid them to hang and burn a dog alive and kill several more while he recorded video. Ching’s raw footage shows that as the burning begins, one of the butchers looks toward the camera, flashes a thumbs up and asks a question in a language local to the area whose English translation is, “This is exactly what you want, right?” Ching denies paying butchers to harm dogs or orchestrating any of the videos. His foundation has questioned the butchers’ credibility, saying his work threatened their livelihoods. Indonesia, the world’s fourth-most populous nation, spread across more than 17,000 islands, is notoriously difficult to govern. Local traditions often trump edicts delivered from the faraway capital in Jakarta. Nevertheless, a movement is growing to end the dog and cat meat trade in Indonesia, which has received a boost from concerns about how rural markets could spread diseases like COVID-19. Many middle-class Indonesians in larger cities, particularly in Jakarta and its outskirts, have embraced pet ownership, yet the practice of eating dogs continues in a few rural parts of the country. “What’s happening in Tomohon is not representative of the nation’s perception and attitude toward companion animals,” said Lola Webber, the Bali-based co-founder and director of the Change for Animals Foundation, a charity registered in England. “People outside the dog meat-eating hot spots would not believe this behavior and practice persists. There’s a certain amount of disconnect.” (Paul Duginski / Los Angeles Times) Tomohon is roughly 1,300 miles from the nation’s capital but a world a way. The city of 120,000 people is connected to the provincial capital, Manado, by a winding two-lane mountain road with commanding views of the Celebes Sea. Tucked in a lush valley flanked by two active volcanoes that often billow smoke, the area’s remoteness has preserved a way of life that’s lasted centuries, untouched by modern malls, hotel chains or Western fast food. The dominant ethnic group in Tomohon, the Minahasa, savor dog meat on special occasions. The meat is believed to keep one’s body warm and is enjoyed “RW” style, which involves simmering it in an aromatic sauce made with chiles, galangal, lime leaves and turmeric. Butchers say the dogs are specially raised for their meat, but animal rights activists say many that are sold are strays captured locally or from neighboring provinces. Unlike most other parts of Indonesia, where Muslims make up the overwhelming majority, Tomohon is a Christian enclave that was influenced by Europeans starting in the 1500s — first with the Portuguese, then the Spanish and the Dutch. Customs here are interwoven with Catholic, Protestant and animist beliefs. One tradition included spilling blood from a freshly slaughtered dog, symbolizing strength, on the beams of a new house. The meat was then consumed. California A whistleblower and watchdogs raise concerns over cash withdrawals, allegedly deceptive solicitations and other financial practices at the Animal Hope & Wellness Foundation. The charity denies misleading donors or misusing money. “Dogs have always been used in rituals,” said H.B. Palar, a local historian and expert on the Minahasa. There aren’t taboos about which animals to eat, mostly out of necessity, he added. In the late 1950s, the region around Tomohon was the center of the so-called Permesta rebellion against the central government — an uprising driven by anger that Javanese rulers in Jakarta were neglecting Indonesia’s far-flung islands such as Sulawesi and their ethnic minority inhabitants. The army responded with brutal force and the rebels fled to the surrounding jungles, where they couldn’t cultivate food. To survive, they had to eat animals that were considered exotic during peacetime. “Food was scarce,” Palar said. “That’s why they had to eat monkey, snake, dog and even bats. After the crisis, the tradition continued.” David Pierson is a former foreign correspondent for the Los Angeles Times. Climate & Environment World & Nation Subscribe for unlimited accessSite Map Lola Webber of the Humane Society International (HSI) interacts with a dog at the Animal Friends Manado Indonesia (AFMI) Care and Rehabilitation Center on July 21 Content warning: This article mentions graphic descriptions of animals being killed The historic agreement took place in July 2023, with the mayor of Tomohon also signing a law banning all future dog and cat trading at the Tomohon Extreme Market Piyush Patel of the Humane Society International (HSI) rescues a dog from a slaughterhouse during a rescue event involving the closure of the slaughterhouse organized by the HSI on July 21 Also called a "traditional" market, the Tomohon Market is known for being extreme — and that term is a severe understatement. As Digital Journal noted, the Tomohon Extreme Market sold canine and feline meat along with meat of other animals like bats We won't show you images of how these animals were slaughtered the dog meat trade was "rampant" on the island of Sulawesi Investigations indicate about 130,000 dogs went to slaughter at these markets every year with tourist websites even promoting Tomohon's market as a destination — until protests thankfully put an end to that HSI has been investigating the Tomohon Extreme Market for years revealing how workers bludgeoned and beat dogs to death prior to their sale Lola Webber of the Humane Society International (HSI) interacts with a cat at the Animal Friends Manado Indonesia (AFMI) Care and Rehabilitation Center on July 21 Kitty Block, CEO of Humane Society International and president of the Humane Society of the United States announced Tomohon Extreme Market's ban on slaughtering dogs and cats in a blog post "After years of campaigning and supporters making their voices heard the mayor of Tomohon issued an order to end all sale and slaughter of dogs and cats and the selling of dog and cat meat at the market," Block wrote Although many told HSI change was not possible the regional secretary of the city of Tomohon announced the ban on slaughter and trade of dogs and cats “We believe the way to reduce people’s interest in consuming dog and cat meat in Tomohon is to stop selling it in markets,” he stated Block noted that HSI has helped to end the cat and dog meat trade in 22 jurisdictions in Indonesia "Our work is far from over in the nations where these trades still flourish," Block wrote "But bringing down the curtain on cruelty at Tomohon Extreme Market is a big victory and a crucial precedent that will propel our fight forward A representative for HSI said in an email to Green Matters that in total the organization rescued 25 dogs and three cats from Tomohon although three of the dogs unfortunately died after their rescue The remaining animals are receiving loving care at a sanctuary in the province Members of the Humane Society International (HSI) move the dogs from a slaughterhouse onto a transport car during a rescue event a number of celebrities signed a letter to President Joko Widodo pleading for closure of these markets in Indonesia The list of over 90 prominent figures included Cameron Diaz This letter urged Indonesia to join other Asian nations in banning the cat and dog meat trade the mayor of Tomohon has taken a big step toward ending this cruel animal treatment 'New Girl' Actor Max Greenfield Adopts Dog After 400 Days in Foster Care How Do I Tell if an Animal Shelter Is “No-Kill?” Why These Former Cattle Ranchers Converted Their Farm Into a Sanctuary (Exclusive) Link to XLink to InstagramContact us by EmailOpt-out of personalized ads © Copyright 2025 Engrost, Inc. Green Matters is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. if no longer the best sellerIndonesia’s wildlife markets are “like a cafeteria for animal pathogens,” but they have resisted efforts to close even as China has shut its own markets over coronavirus fears.A vendor arranging bat meat in Tomohon market in northern Sulawesi in 2017 Source: Bay Ismoyo/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images A monkey for a mobile phone: Trapping endangered wildlife to survive ShareGet SBS News daily and direct to your InboxSign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.Your email address *Morning (Mon–Fri) Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker There is little panic here about paniki, or bat meat, which is popularly consumed in a curried coconut stew. An instruction from officials to end the sale of fruit bats (£1.65 each) has been widely ignored. Long before the current epidemic, bats were known as reservoirs for zoonotic diseases — those which jump from animals to humans. But in rural Indonesia they are a traditional medicine for respiratory diseases — the very ailments caused by coronavirus. At Tomohon, skewered rats are grilled over charcoal and other culinary options include snake, lizard, dog and monkey. Show all news, opinion, videos and press releases matching → Content warning: readers may find some of the images in this story disturbing the busiest time of the week for the bustling Pasar Ekstrim (extreme market) in the mountain city of Tomohon in North Sulawesi Butchers swing machetes at wild pig and dog meat smoke rats and blow-torch the flesh of reticulated python to rid it of ticks and other parasites Markets like these have existed in this part of Indonesia for hundreds of years Hunting and eating animals from the surrounding forests is an ancient tradition of the Minahasa an Indigenous ethnic group that is famous for its fondness for foods that might unsettle the stomachs of the faint-hearted visitor “Adam and Eve would not have eaten the forbidden fruit and been expelled from the Garden of Eden if only the Minahasa people had devoured the serpent,” jokes Yvonne Lasut snake and – until it was banned from the market a few years ago – the Crested black macaque a species of monkey that like many fauna in Sulawesi can only be found in this part of the world Anyone in the market caught selling the critically endangered Crested black macaque or other vulnerable species such as the Spectral tarsier moon-eyed primate also only found in Sulawesi can find themselves serving a seven- to eight-year jail sentence although numerous sources Eco-Business spoke to said that these animals can still find themselves on dinner plates at the right price In recent months, calls have grown for stricter sanctions to curb the trade in protected animals in Indonesia. Lawmakers are discussing the revision of an act that came into force in 1990 to prohibit such trade for the conservation of wildlife and ecosystems which many say still imposes insufficient penalties Amendments up for debate include increasing the minimum jail terms and fines for wildlife trade-related offences Reticulated python on display at Pasar Ekstrim Bushmeat markets like the one in Sulawesi that have resisted pressure to close even amid the Covid-19 pandemic – which cast a spotlight on the risks of viruses transmitted by the trade in wild mammals – show that wild meat is still very much a part of the local diet and that the markets could be hard to shutter hunting is a major threat to Sulawesi’s extraordinary biodiversity The island is home to more endemic species than anywhere on the planet you can eat it,” says one local restaurant owner who preferred to remain anonymous For now, none of the animals for sale at Pasar Extrim are threatened with extinction, though some are unique to the region (endemic), like the White-tailed rat, a forest-dwelling rodent whose population is believed to be in decline as a result of overhunting highly adaptive animals which are found all over Southeast Asia including urbanised Singapore where they thrive are typically sourced from Makassar in South Sulawesi and sold at the market for IDR50,000 (US$3.20) per kilogramme (kg) The animals are slaughtered in the wild using machetes Reticulated pythons are the world’s longest snakes Though they are not classified as endangered Pythons are also used in traditional medicine and sold as pets are caught using nets to trap the animals as they fly through the forest they taste like a mixture of chicken and pork which are hunted using dogs or caught in snares are currently the most expensive animals for sale at the market which has a 90 per cent mortality rate and has affected an estimated 500,000 pigs in Indonesia at the time of publishing Most of the domestic and wild animals for sale can also be eaten at the market pythons are torched to rid them of parasites before they’re sold A wild pig head sits on a bloodied butchering slab at the bushmeat market in Sulawesi Butchered wild pig is stacked in a pile at the bushmeat market Bat and rat meat for sale in curries at Pasar Ekstrim Dogs are no longer slaughtered at the market. A 2023 campaign by animal welfare group Humane Society International and local partner Animal Friends Manado Indonesia (AFMI) persuaded some traders to stop killing dogs and cats and try alternative sources of livelihood but dog meat continues to be sold at the market Dogs were previously openly killed in public using a hammer or the blow of a wooden club to the head because customers prefer to choose the dog they eat while it is still alive According to people Eco-Business spoke to at the market killing dogs out of sight introduces new dangers for the people who eat it Minahasa people are believed to have eaten dog meat since the 1930s when dogs that were previously used for hunting found themselves on the meal table during a period of war and famine Like eating chicken and pork in the Christian-majority region dog meat is not taboo and is typically eaten at funerals and other special occasions and is considered a delicacy A market vendor minds a stall selling dog at Pasar Ekstrim the general treatment of dogs in Tomahon and elsewhere in North Sulawesi is not considered poor Some locals who eat dog also keep dogs as pets One man who works at the market selling dog meat has a pet dog and told Eco-Business he would never consider eating his pet Eco-Business visited a local hot spring believed to have physical and spiritual healing properties where a man was bathing his dog with shampoo Lasut rescued her dog from a rubbish bin when he was a puppy even when she is doing laps at the local military swimming pool Dogs are no longer slaughtered at bushmeat markets The dog meat trade is a potential reservoir of rabies a zoonotic disease that causes unimaginable suffering in people and animals before they inevitably die Through the transportation of dogs of unknown disease and vaccination status Dog catchers and butchers are rarely vaccinated Cases of human rabies have doubled in Indonesia since the pandemic, and cases in North Sulawesi have been among the highest in Indonesia According to a study of 11 dog heads retrieved from the market by AFMI in 2016 Some animal welfare activists believe that the dog meat trade reduces rabies risk by reducing the free-roaming dog population which is responsible for 99 per cent of human rabies cases although none are for sale at Pasar Ekstrim it makes the body warmer – like eating Durian becoming ground-zero for the next pandemic Hygiene standards at the market are far from meticulous and various species of butchered animal lie side by side One theory for the cause of Covid-19 is that it was transmitted by a bat for sale at a wildlife market in Wuhan hundreds of which are sold at Pasar Ekstrim every weekend are notorious disease transmitters because of their powerful immune systems The SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) virus is believed to have originated in bats before spreading to civets in a wildlife market in China De-winged fruit bats for sale at Pasar Ekstrim In 2021, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and other conservation non-profits called on wildlife markets to be shut down which are located in urban areas where there are high concentrations of animals and people “The crowding together in urban markets of live wildlife and fresh meat from different species provides the perfect conditions for recombination and shedding of viruses and other pathogens and their transmission to humans,” WCS said in the paper which was published at the height of the pandemic A 2016 study of six bats retrieved from Pasar Ekstrim by AFMI found that two of them tested positive for a strain of coronavirus AFMI tried to use the test results to persuade the authorities to shut the market down in 2020 but AFMI executive Frank Delano Manus says his requests were ignored and the connection between bats and zoonotics diseases dismissed as a rumour the market was shut down for just four days Manus says that one lever that can be used to close the bushmeat market down is tourism A poll of foreign visitors to the market by AFMI in 2016 found that 80 per cent disapproved of wildlife and domestic animals being sold at the market According to an investigation of the wildlife market supply chain by AFMI most animals for sale at the bushmeat market are captured and killed in other parts of Sulawesi and are not sold for up to two weeks after slaughter A little over two and a half hours’ drive from Tomohon’s wildlife market is a nature reserve packed with a bewildering diversity of animal species that can only be found in North Sulawesi Tangkoko national park offers a glimpse into how the region’s unique animals can avoid serious population declines and extinctions – eco-tourism Batu Putih Ecotourism Park is the gateway for the Tangkoko-Batuangus Nature Reserve which covers an area of over 8,700 hectares and is home to endemic species such as black crested macaque Guides shine flash lights into the sensitive eyes of noctural tarsiers so that visitors can take clearer photos of the animals at dusk and one guide said that a Chinese tourist had paid IDR50,000 (US$3.20) for a python to be removed from a tree for a photo opportunity But eco-tourism could provide an alternative livelihood source for would-be poachers and convince people living in the area that keeping wildlife alive has economic value Local villagers have been taught to identify wildlife species by guides so that they can help to monitor populations and are more invested in their protection and could themselves work as guides have visited the area to document the wildlife and locals can earn up to IDR350,000 (US$22.50) a day just from carrying camera equipment The push for stronger legal sanctions against wildlife trafficking is also largely due to the growing online trade of protected species but none are properly enforced,” says Manus This emaciated pitbull was rescued from the Tomohon Extreme Market 2023 hundreds of dogs and cats were slaughtered for food the Tomohon Extreme Market in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province is not for the faint of heart On the ceramic-covered counter of one stall are rows of fruit bats and field rats charred to a crisp while at another three-metre-long pythons are stripped out of their skins while being suspended to metal hooks is milder than what it was less than two months ago when vendors at the market were still allowed to sell dog and cat meat the smell of recently slaughtered dogs and cats being scorched by blow torches to get rid of their fur would permeate throughout the market freshly drawn blood would stain different corners of the market where dogs were brutally bludgeoned to death The same spots would be filled with cages of emaciated and stressed-out dogs and cats some whimpering out of fear that they would be next to be killed That all changed on Jul 21 when Tomohon mayor Caroll Senduk issued an instruction banning the sale of dog and cat meat at the city-owned market Although the ban is only limited to the market and does not apply to the sale and consumption of dog and cat meat in other parts of the city animal rights activists have lauded the move calling it an important step in getting the rest of the country to follow suit “(The ban) has a huge symbolic value given that Tomohon market is notorious around the world for the trading and slaughtering of dogs and cats,” Mdm Lola Webber of the not-for-profit group Humane Society International (HSI) told CNA “If we can get such a ban at the Tomohon Extreme Market it gives hope that others will take similar actions.” only 22 out of 514 cities and regencies across Indonesia have issued regulations which was once notorious for its dog and cat meat trade Getting these 22 areas to come on board in the fight to end the dog and cat meat trade has been a long struggle even in cities where consumption of such meat is low like Jakarta The capital city only passed a directive banning the sale of dog and cat meat last year more than one million dogs and thousands of cats are slaughtered in Indonesia where some communities believe that consuming dog or cat meat can cure various ailments although these claims have never been scientifically proven The reason behind the vast difference between the demand for dogs and cats is that many in Indonesia have embraced cats as pets The majority of the dogs and cats consumed are mixed breeds although there are cases of abandoned or stolen purebreds slaughtered for food around 70 per cent of dogs consumed in Indonesia come from North Sulawesi activists rushed to rescue the dogs and cats bound to be slaughtered at the market by sellers trying to clear stocks ahead of the deadline “They were in terrible conditions,” Mr Frank Manus of the Animal Friends Manado Indonesia (AFMI) Some had infections because they were mistreated and kept in cages for weeks Because of the stress they also fought amongst themselves.” Of the 25 dogs and three cats rescued and subsequently taken to an AFMI animal shelter located at the edge of Tomohon three dogs were in such dire states they eventually succumbed to their illnesses and injuries Mr Manus said the dogs were most likely trafficked from other parts of Sulawesi - a vast K-shaped island in the middle of Indonesia that is divided into six provinces in captivity and in poor condition before they were slaughtered dog and cat meat consumption is only prevalent in North Sulawesi it is customary to provide guests with various kinds of meat including dogs and cats during funerals This is our tradition,” exotic meat wholesaler Elviano Pongoh told CNA referring to North Sulawesi’s biggest ethnic group He added that he usually sells up to 100 dogs and cats a day with demands peaking around the Christmas and New Year holidays these freezers would be filled with (slaughtered) dogs and my yard would be filled with dozens of cages containing the live ones,” he said at his two-storey home in the centre of Tomohon Mr Pongoh revealed that he gets his dogs from poachers in other Sulawesi provinces while the cats are mostly local strays would have been slaughtered by the time they arrive in Tomohon thus he cannot assure his customers that they did not die from diseases or old age so they can see with their own eyes what the dogs and cats are like before they are slaughtered,” Mr Pongoh said Since the slaughtered dogs and cats are sold as charred carcasses the wholesaler added that there are instances of poachers and vendors trying to pass meat from diseased animals as healthy ones The poachers are not very discerning about which dog or cat to catch adding that they will sometimes net puppies as well as sick and ageing animals During a police raid at a dog meat slaughterhouse in Central Java’s Sukoharjo Regency in 2021, officials and activists discovered that 10 out of the 54 dogs rescued were pregnant the rescued dogs include a purebred samoyed and a pitbull suggesting that they were likely pets stolen by poachers from their respective human families Since dogs and cats are not considered food by Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture nor are they listed as endangered species by the country’s Ministry for the Environment and Forestry the trade of dog and cat meat exists in a grey area within Indonesia’s legal system Mdm Webber of HSI highlighted the fact that there are numerous regulations standards and health requirements related to animals bred for consumption like cows governing anything from the way they are treated “Because dogs and cats are not considered food their trade is virtually unregulated,” she said people in Indonesia can face lengthy jail terms and hefty fines for so much as catching With the absence of a national law which explicitly prohibits the sale and trafficking of dog and cat meat Indonesia was only able to prosecute its first dog meat trading case in 2021 Suradi - accused of trafficking 78 dogs for slaughter - with transporting dogs out of a rabies zone who like many Indonesians goes by one name was sentenced to 10 months in prison and a fine of 150 million rupiah (US$9,838) director general of livestock and animal welfare at the Ministry of Agriculture said his office was cautious about imposing a nationwide ban on the trade and consumption of dog and cat meat as they were part of the local culture in some areas He said the ministry would instead be pushing local governments to enact their own regulations and decrees to combat the trade "We explain (to local governments) to consider the zoonotic disease aspect the control and eradication of animal disease aspect,” Nasrullah said in a statement in February A zoonotic disease is one that is transmissible from animals to humans had also issued a directive in 2018 calling for regional governments to stop issuing permits and health certificates to dog meat products and slaughterhouses and to ban dog meat sales only 22 regencies and cities have complied Mr Manus of AFMI said it took activists 10 years to convince the Tomohon government to stop the animal cruelty happening at the city’s Extreme Market It was a tough order since the market is one of the very things that puts Tomohon on the map for tourists the city government only agreed to ban the trade of protected wildlife such as the critically endangered Celebes crested macaque and the vulnerable Sulawesi bear cuscus But Mr Manus and other activists did not give up “Animal welfare is not a priority issue in the eyes of the government But when we told the government that the dog and cat meat trade is contributing to the spread of rabies and thus endangering public health and safety Tomohon has been trying hard to shed its image as a rabies hotspot chief of the animal welfare division at the Tomohon agriculture agency we are spending a lot of money every year to vaccinate the Tomohon population (against rabies),” he told CNA more than 200 people have tested positive for rabies making Tomohon one of the worst cities for rabies infection in Indonesia Tomohon mayor Mr Senduk said the city is trying to distance itself from its image as a haven for dog and cat meat traders “The public display of animal cruelty has its impact on our tourism sector,” the mayor said adding that there have been many tourists who felt sickened by the trade and vowed never to return to the city “We are encouraging (Tomohon) residents to look for more hygienic sources of food which are free from rabies and other zoonotic diseases.” told CNA that the market is getting quieter every day since the ban was introduced “You can no longer call the market an extreme market,” lamented Mr Nangka adding that his income has dwindled by as much as 30 per cent are travelling beyond the city’s limits to source for dog and cat meat They prefer going to a market where they can find everything that they need,” he said The situation in Tomohon is a far cry from that in Langoan where dog and cat meat are still openly traded at its local market “We are seeing an influx of people from Tomohon coming here to Langoan market,” said one Langoan vendor who wishes to be identified only as Debby And some customers may not need to travel far as Mr Manus said there are reports of vendors at the Tomohon Extreme Market trying their luck by selling dog and cat meat in secret But there may be hope yet that a better future for dogs and cats could prevail dog meat is the least popular food around with many customers opting for traditional dishes made from pork and fish “Dog and cat meat are considered food for the older generation The young prefer not to touch them,” said the restaurant owner Enjelina who refused to divulge her full name “There are many animal lovers now in North Sulawesi People’s attitude towards dogs and cats are changing,” he said adding that city officials will start conducting awareness efforts in schools to educate youth that dogs and cats are not food The gradual change in attitude is a welcome sign for Mdm Webber of not-for-profit group HSI “Slowly we are inching towards our goal of a dog and cat meat-free Indonesia,” she said Get our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inbox Stay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best stories Join our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat app We know it's a hassle to switch browsers but we want your experience with CNA to be fast Upgraded but still having issues? Contact us Authorities yesterday announced the end of the “brutally cruel” dog and cat meat slaughter at a notorious animal market on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi following a years-long campaign by local activists and world celebrities The Tomohon Extreme Market is to become the first such market in Indonesia to go dog and cat meat-free the anti-animal cruelty group Humane Society International (HSI) said Images of dogs and cats being bludgeoned and blowtorched while still alive had sparked outrage The permanent end of the slaughter and trade was announced yesterday by Tomohon Mayor Caroll Senduk HSI said it would be rescuing all the remaining live dogs and cats from the slaughterhouse suppliers and taking them to sanctuaries The Tomohon Extreme Market had previously been touted as a tourist attraction and listed on TripAdvisor as a destination that also sells cat meat and the carcasses of wild and protected species such as bats HSI and Indonesian groups operating under the banner of Dog Meat Free Indonesia are campaigning to end the trade in live dogs for human consumption as rabies could spread to humans during the slaughter or contact with infected meat Videos shot by the campaigners at two markets in North Sulawesi Province in 2018 showed dogs cowering in cages as workers pulled the howling animals out and bludgeoned their heads with wooden batons the animals are then blasted with blowtorches to remove their hair in preparation for butchering and sale The welfare groups called the treatment of the animals at the markets “brutally cruel” and like “walking through hell,” generating sympathy among Indonesians and around the world International actors and celebrities in 2018 appealed to Indonesian President Joko Widodo to close the markets saying if Indonesia joined other Asian nations that have already banned the trade it would be “celebrated globally” and end a stain on the nation’s reputation Indonesian pop singer Anggun and musician Moby are among the more than 90 celebrities listed in the letter are subjected to crude and brutal methods of capture and the immense suffering and fear they must endure is heartbreaking and absolutely shocking,” the letter said prompting Indonesia’s central government to issue a regulation saying that dog meat is not food and thus local administrations should act to ban the trade rats and snakes are still being sold at an Indonesian market known for its wildlife offerings despite a government request to take them off the menu over fears of a link to the deadly coronavirus Vendors at the Tomohon Extreme Meat market on Sulawesi island say business is booming and curious tourists keep arriving to check out exotic fare that enrages animal rights activists But scientists are debating how the new virus which has killed more than 1,100 people in China and spread to dozens of countries around the world is thought to be ground zero and there is suspicion it could have originated in bats The possible link wasn’t on many radar screens at the Indonesian market Its grubby stalls feature a dizzying array of animals including giant snakes rats impaled on sticks and charred dogs with their hair seared off by blowtorches - a gory scene described by some critics as “like walking through hell” Bat seller Stenly Timbuleng says he’s still moving his fare for as much as 60,000 rupiah (RM18) a kg to buyers in the area where bats are a speciality in local cuisine “I’m selling between 40 and 60 kg every day,“ the 45-year-old told AFP Restaurateur Lince Rengkuan - who serves bats including their heads and wings stewed in coconut milk and spices - says the secret is preparation “If you don’t cook the bat well then of course it can be dangerous,“ she said “We cook it thoroughly and so far the number of customers hasn’t gone down at all.” This despite a request from the local government and the health agency to take bats and other wildlife out of circulation - a call that has been all but ignored “We’re also urging people not to consume meat from animals suspected to be carriers of a fatal disease,“ said Ruddy Lengkong head of the area’s government trade and industry agency Indonesia has not yet reported a confirmed case of the virus vendors selling skinned snakes and cobra blood on a recent Saturday night didn’t have any trouble finding takers sir,“ said one vendor of his slithering fare Tel: +603-7784 6688      Fax: +603-7785 2625 Tomohon has a high level of seismic activity Based on data from the past 55 years and our earthquake archive back to 1900 there are about 79 quakes on average per year in or near Tomohon Tomohon has had at least 7 quakes above magnitude 6 since 1900 which suggests that larger earthquakes of this size occur infrequently probably on average approximately every 15 to 20 years The depth of the quake is unknown.The quake was not felt (or at least not reported so) Tomohon was shaken by 6 quakes of magnitude 4.0 or above The depth of the quake is unknown.The quake was not felt (or at least not reported so).