In the province of South Sulawesi, Indonesia, a tragic event unfolded when a mother of five, Siriati, 30, met her end in the coils of a 30-foot python. Siriati was alone in the jungle, on her way to purchase medicine from her brother, when the attack took place on the morning of July 2, 2024.
After Siriati did not show up, her brother reached out to her husband, Adiansya, who set out to find her. The search led him to Siriati’s sandals on the grass and a horrifying sight: a python in the act of swallowing his wife headfirst, her legs still visible from its mouth. Despite killing the python, Adiansya was unable to rescue Siriati, who had been crushed to death.
The village secretary, Iyang, shared, “The victim wanted to go out to buy her child’s medicine. She was visiting her brother and had to go through the forest first.” He theorized that the python likely bit her leg, wrapped around her, suffocated her, and then swallowed her whole.
This incident follows a similar one that occurred just a month before when a 20-foot python swallowed Farida, a 45-year-old woman from Kalempang, whole. Farida’s husband, Noni, discovered her belongings strewn in the forest. With the assistance of local villagers, they found the engorged snake, cut it open, and found Farida’s fully dressed body inside. “I feel sorry for her suffering,” Noni stated.
Indonesia, with its chain of over 17,000 islands, offers a perfect habitat for reticulated pythons, some of the longest snakes in the world. These predators use their sharp teeth to seize their prey and then use their substantial bodies to suffocate them before swallowing them whole. Since 2017, these snakes have caused the deaths of at least five individuals in Indonesia.
These incidents have understandably alarmed the local community in South Sulawesi. The region’s extensive jungle environment and limited urban development contribute to the flourishing and growth of these large snakes. Residents have been advised to exercise extra care when journeying through forested areas, particularly when alone.
With the rise in python attacks, local authorities and community members are striving to enhance awareness and safety measures to prevent further fatalities from such confrontations with wildlife.
