COMMEMORATING NATIONAL FLORA AND FAUNA DAY WITH THE RELEASE OF THREE REHABILITATED IN TNBBBR

In commemoration of National Flora and Fauna Day, the Central Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and the Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park Agency (TNBBBR) together with the Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation and other parties, are releasing three more rehabilitated orangutans from a BOS Foundation orangutan rehabilitation centre into the natural forest of TNBBBR.

Central Kalimantan, 18 November 2022. Three male orangutans (Ben, Gonzales, and Lima) from the BOS Foundation’s Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre were released today into TNBBBR within Katingan Regency, Central Kalimantan. These three orangutans have completed a lengthy rehabilitation process overseen by the BOS Foundation and are ready to live independently in natural forests. This release of rehabilitated orangutans is a manifestation of efforts to protect and preserve orangutans in Kalimantan and the second orangutan release conducted by the BOS Foundation in 2022.

SADTATA NOOR ADIRAHMANTA, S.Hut., M.T., Head of the Central Kalimantan BKSDA said, “The Central Kalimantan BKSDA is responsible for all rescued animals, especially those who are protected species, and, in this case, orangutans. However, the implementation of these conservation efforts needs to be supported by all parties. We would also take this opportunity to urge local communities to be more actively involved in efforts to protect orangutans and their habitat. Let them live freely and safely in their natural habitat. Furthermore, through the release of three orangutans in TNBBBR today, we hope that this will continue the momentum for increasing public understanding regarding the importance of this protected and endemic species. We must bear in mind that conserving orangutans in their natural habitat is crucial for maintaining the integrity of these forest ecosystem. Let’s protect protected wildlife, protect forests and protect the natural world for the future of our children and grandchildren.”

ANDI MUHAMMAD KADHAFI, S.Hut., M.Si., Head of TNBBBR added, “The release of three rehabilitated orangutans into the Hiran Sub Watershed (DAS) of TNBBBR is one of the TNBBBR’s collaborative programs with the BOS Foundation which is contained in the 2022 Annual Work Plan (RKT) as an effort to increase the orangutan population in their natural habitat, especially the TNBBBR. After the release, intensive monitoring will be carried out to ensure that the orangutans successfully adjust to life in their new habitat. The TNBBBR agency, together with the Central Kalimantan BKSDA and in collaboration with the BOS Foundation and other stakeholders, has succeeded in releasing 189 orangutans into the forest of the TNBBBR since 2016, including those who will be released today. The five natural births that have been recorded are a remarkable achievement, particularly since the conservation status of the Bornean orangutan is still listed as ‘Critically Endangered’. Together with other stakeholders, we will continue to work towards a future for the Bornean orangutan, which, as a species, plays a very important role in maintaining the quality of the forest and the integrity of the ecosystem. Together, let’s join hands in protecting wildlife. Let’s protect our forests and their biodiversity for the sake of our children and grandchildren.”

DR. IR. JAMARTIN SIHITE, the BOS Foundation CEO said, “Releasing orangutans is the final stage of a lengthy rehabilitation process, but it does not stop once the orangutans have been released. Our Post-Release Monitoring (PRM) team must carry out intensive monitoring of released orangutans every day to ensure that the orangutans successfully survive in their new habitat. In line with National Flora and Fauna Day, let us all commit to overcoming the many threats facing wildlife and increase protections for Indonesian flora and fauna. When we look at orangutans as a model, this species is critical to preserving our precious forests which are a basic asset for national economic development if their plentiful natural resources are sustainably and responsibly utilised by all stakeholders.”

“Since 2012, our orangutan release efforts have seen 500 orangutans successfully returned to their natural habitat. Although we have faced countless challenges, from the limited availability of funds and safe forest release sites to the hardships of managing a lengthy rehabilitation process and reaching isolated release points, there are many obstacles that still remain. However, we are elated and proud to take a moment to celebrate the release of 500 orangutans over this 10 years period together with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK). Undoubtedly, we could not have accomplished such a feat without support from all parties, including both the central and local governments in addition to other stakeholders.”

The three orangutans released today completed the final stages of their rehabilitation process on the pre-release island in the Salat Island Cluster in Pulang Pisau Regency, Central Kalimantan. This pre-release island is a semi-wild habitat that is closely monitored by a BOS Foundation’s team to assess the skills and behaviour of orangutans who have already completed the earlier stages of rehabilitation in Forest School. Here, the orangutans practice their previously learned skills to prepare them for life in the wild.