THE JOURNEY OF REFORESTATION AT KEHJE SEWEN FOREST

In addition to Post-Release Monitoring (PRM), PT. Restorasi Habitat Orangutan Indonesia (PT. RHOI) also runs a habitat management and restoration program (PPH). This program is one of the ecosystem restoration activities carried out by the RE-PPH Division. As the name suggests, the RE-PPH division manages domestic waste generated during camp operations. The team also oversees the genetic resource conservation area (KPPN) and leads important reforestation efforts, ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of ecosystem.

Read also: A HOME FOR ORANGUTANS IS A HOME FOR ALL WILDLIFE

Since early May, our team has been hard at work on the reforestation program, which required several key preparations. These included repairing the nursery building, sourcing nutrient-rich humus soil, and collecting seeds from mother trees. As we know, the nursery is where plant seedlings are cultivated until they are ready to be planted in new areas. The method used by our team to obtain these seedlings is the extraction method. Our team collects seedlings growing around the mother tree to be replanted in the nursery until they’re strong enough for replanting in new areas.

Currently, there are approximately 10 species of food and nesting trees that have been successfully transplanted, including Artocarpus sp., Lithocarpus sp., Pternandra sp., Adinandra sp., Durio sp., and Nephelium sp. These species were carefully selected to enrich and expand the variety of food and nesting trees for orangutans in the Kehje Sewen Forest area, supporting their long-term survival in the wild.

Read also: BEES TAKE OVER CAMP NLES MAMSE

However, managing the nursery is quiet challenging. Not all of the transplanted seedlings thrive. Some die, others are unhealthy, and some are even attacked by insect pests. Whether due to errors in the transplanting technique or ineffective post-transplant care, challenges remain. Nevertheless, our team continues to evaluate and improve methods to increase the survival rate of the seedlings in the nursery. The planting medium is a critical factor in the success of the nursery process. Our team eventually sought out soil with a higher humus content and mixed it with leftover wood shavings. After improving the planting medium, our team replaced the dead plants with newly transplanted seedlings.

Read also: FLOWERS, FRUITS, AND MORE IN THE KEHJE SEWEN FOREST

Hard work pays off! After optimizing the transplanting techniques, the plants are now growing much better. Every day before starting the main activities, our team begins the day by monitoring the development of the plants in the nursery. As shown in the photos, maintaining the seedling is a key part of our routine. Our team is busy watering the plants, weeding, and clearing unwanted plants from the nursery beds and surrounding areas. Now, the survival rate of the plants in the nursery is improving day by day.

With continued care and maintenance, we are confident that these plants in the nursery will continue to thrive and soon be ready for planting in new areas of the Kehje Sewen Forest.