Indonesia Sells Bats, Snakes Regardless of Authorities’s Virus Warning

The government has repeatedly asked that wildlife be put out of circulation for fear of viruses

Tomohon, Indonesia:

Bats, rats and snakes are still sold in an Indonesian market known for their wildlife, although the government has asked them to be removed from the menu for fear of being linked to the deadly corona virus.

Sellers at the Tomohon Extreme Meat Market on Sulawesi Island say business is booming and curious tourists keep coming back to try exotic dishes that annoy animal rights activists.

However, 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, has been spread to humans.

A wildlife market in Wuhan, the virus' epicenter, is believed to be at zero, and is suspected to be from bats.

However, the possible connection was not available on many radar screens on the Indonesian market.

Dizzy animals, including giant snakes, sticks speared on sticks and charred dogs, whose hair has been burned by blowtorches – are bustling on the grubby stands – a bloody scene that some critics call "like a walk through hell".

Bat seller Stenly Timbuleng says he still passes his fare up to 60,000 rupiah (USD 4.40) per kilogram to buyers in the region, where bats are a specialty of local cuisine.

"I sell between 40 and 60 kilograms a day," the 45-year-old told AFP.

"The virus didn't affect sales. My customers are still coming."

Restaurateur Lince Rengkuan, who serves bats with their heads and wings steamed in coconut milk and spices, says the secret is the preparation.

"Of course, if you don't cook the racket well, it can be dangerous," she said.

"We cook it thoroughly and so far the number of customers has not decreased at all."

This was despite the call from the local government and health department to remove bats and other wildlife from circulation – a call that has been largely ignored.

"We also urge people not to eat meat from animals suspected of having a deadly disease," said Ruddy Lengkong, head of the region's state-owned trade and industry agency.

Indonesia has not yet reported a confirmed case of the virus.

In the capital, Jakarta, sellers selling skinned snakes and cobra blood on a Saturday night had no problem finding buyers.

"It's good for you, sir," said a seller of his fare.

"Heals and prevents all diseases."

(Except for the headline, this story was not edited by NDTV staff and published from a syndicated feed.)