Inp.polri.go.id - Indramayu.   Lucky Hakim, the Regent of Indramayu, West Java, announced a plan to release 10,000 snakes into local rice fields as part of a sustainable pest-control program aimed at tackling rat infestations. 

The initiative, called “Snakes, Farmers’ Friends,” is designed to protect harvests while reducing the use of chemical poisons.

“Most of these snakes are non-venomous species like koros and lanang sapi. They pose no threat to farmers and will actually help secure their crops,” Regent Lucky said on Sunday (24/8/2025), as quoted by antaranews.com.

He emphasized that snakes are natural predators of rats and play a crucial role in maintaining agricultural ecosystems. Hundreds have already been released in Sindang District, with the program expected to expand across all subdistricts.

Regent Lucky also urged farmers not to kill the snakes if encountered. 

“Snakes are afraid of humans. If you see one in the field, just chase it away, there’s no need to kill it,” he explained.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)