Freedom for Orangutans: Uniting the Spirit of Indonesia’s Independence with International Orangutan Day

Bogor, 16 Agustus 2023. With Indonesian Independence Day celebrations on 17 August, and International Orangutan Day falling just two days after, on 19 August, the Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation, in line with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, is proud to announce our new campaign, ‘Freedom for Orangutans: Uniting the Spirit of Indonesia’s Independence with Orangutan Day’.

Dr. Ir. Jamartin Sihite, MSc., CEO of the BOS Foundation, said; "On this historic occasion, we wish to combine the spirit of Indonesia's nationhood with the efforts undertaken to ensure the freedom and survival of orangutans, our precious relatives, in their natural ecosystem. Just as this nation celebrates its freedom and independence, we believe that the freedom of orangutans is also an essential and deserving cause to uphold and celebrate." 

In the spirit of independence, the BOS Foundation aims to remind the nation of the importance of ensuring freedom and survival for orangutans. As the only great ape species endemic to Asia, and sharing 97% of the same DNA as humans, orangutans should be free to thrive in the wild, as nature intended. Just as Indonesia celebrates its independence, orangutans, too, deserve independence and freedom in their forest homes.

Our ‘Freedom for Orangutans’ campaign aims to raise awareness of the protection and preservation of the orangutan, a threatened species that plays a vital role in the ecosystem. Through this campaign, the BOS Foundation highlights the efforts being made toward the recovery and protection of forests, to ensure the survival of orangutans in the wild. The campaign also encourages public participation in conservation efforts, and in understanding the crucial role orangutans play in maintaining ecological balance.

In line with the spirit of Indonesia’s independence, and together with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and the Central and East Kalimantan BKSDA agencies, the BOS Foundation celebrates the successful release of 515 orangutans back to the wild, thus far. Meanwhile, at our two rehabilitation centres - Nyaru Menteng, in Central Kalimantan, and Samboja Lestari, in East Kalimantan - our dedicated teams are currently caring for around 400 orangutans that are awaiting their turn to be released into a natural habitat.

To mark this year's International Orangutan Day, the BOS Foundation will host an in-person event in Bogor, featuring a screening of a special Orangutan documentaries. Animal welfare experts, wildlife photographers, and BOS Foundation campaigners will also be in attendance at this ‘Forest for My Orangutans’-themed event.