Despite calls from authority to flee their homes following the Mount Merapi eruption, some residents in several Boyolali villages have chosen to return home for either feeding their livestocks or taking their valuables.

Sahir, who lives in Kupo village, nine kilometers away from Mount Merapi, said he and his wife left their refugee camp in Ampel , Boyolali, every morning to feed their five cows at home. 

"We spent around an hour to cut grass for them [the cows]," said the father of three, whose village, located in Cepogo district, lies only nine kilometers away from Mt. Merapi. 

Sahir said he and some other farmers under refugee had used to pay someone for taking care of their livestock, including finding them grass and delivering it home.

"With five cows, I need to pay at least Rp 40,000 (US$4.5) per day for such service. Since I'm running out money, I now have no option except feeding my cows by myself," he said.

Cepogo police chief First. Insp. Bambang Brusitom said the local authority had worked hard to convince residents in his area to immediately move to a safer location.

He said the police had deployed their officers to assist the search and rescue team looking for residents who still stay at their homes.

"It is our responsibility to ensure the safety, but honestly, we can't do nothing if they insist [to stay]," said Bambang, who on Sunday closed his office in Cepogo and moving it some 15 kilometers away from Mt. Merapi.

Some SAR officers met by the Post along the street heading to Mt. Merapi also shared the same concern.

"They [who refused to flee] gave us classic reasons, like they are afraid I'd someone steal their cows or other valuables at home," an officer said.