Farida, a 50-year-old mother of four, was swallowed whole by a 20-foot python while walking alone through woods to a market in Kalimpong, Indonesia. Her husband, Noni, 55, formed a search party with neighbors after she failed to return home in the evening.
Husband Discovers Belongings, Villagers Find Snake
Suardi Rosi, head of the village, told AFP that Noni "found her belongings... which made him suspicious. The villagers then searched the area. They soon spotted a python with a large belly." The search team found the bloated snake hiding in undergrowth, with a human-sized shape visible in its stomach.
Villagers used a machete to cut open the reptile. "They agreed to cut open the python's stomach. As soon as they did, Farida's head was immediately visible," Rosi said. Her lifeless body, still fully clothed, was removed from the snake.
Snake Bite and Suffocation Believed Cause of Death
It is believed the python sank its teeth into Farida's leg before swallowing her whole. Locals believe she died from suffocation and also endured a bite mark to her limb. Her body was recovered for a religious burial in the Pitu Riawa district of Sidrap Regency.
Noni expressed deep regret: "I am forever sorry that I let my wife go out alone. If I had been with her that day, the snake would not have dared to touch her. I feel sorry for the suffering she went through. I am sorry for our family."
First Such Incident in Kalempang, Warnings Issued
Despite several previous python attacks in Indonesia, this is reportedly the first time such an incident has occurred in Kalempang. Suardi Rosi warned: "We have warned everybody to be careful when they walk through the woods. Women should be accompanied by someone."
