Poverty drives the handlers to exploit the monkeys in the hope of earning small change.

Shocking to many Westerners, its a common sight on the streets of Jakarta.

Most Indonesians pass along unfazed or mildly amused and a few give the handlers money.

114946091UI001_TOPENG_MONYE

Story: Denver Post.

Photos by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images

114946091UI019_TOPENG_MONYE

114946091UI028_TOPENG_MONYE

114946091UI031_TOPENG_MONYE

114946091UI009_TOPENG_MONYE

114946091UI016_TOPENG_MONYE

114946091UI015_TOPENG_MONYE

114946091UI004_TOPENG_MONYE

114946091UI033_TOPENG_MONYE

114946091UI008_TOPENG_MONYE

114946091UI013_TOPENG_MONYE

114946091UI011_TOPENG_MONYE

114946091UI021_TOPENG_MONYE

114946091UI002_TOPENG_MONYE

114946091UI012_TOPENG_MONYE

114946091UI007_TOPENG_MONYE