The rescue operation took place early Friday morning, October 23, 2026, involving the Indonesian National Police, the Central Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), the PPS community, Animal Rescue Sampit, and the Orangutan Foundation International (OFI).
The mother orangutan, named Gadis, was rescued alongside her offspring, Garis.
Both animals were taken for medical assessment and further treatment, with particular attention given to Gadis’s injuries and the infant’s overall health, Tribrata News reported.
The operation involved personnel from the National Police’s Security Maintenance Agency (Baharkam) and the Central Kalimantan Regional Police. It was led by Brigadier General Tory Kristianto, Director of the Animal Police Unit (Dirpolsatwa) of the Baharkam Police’s Sabhara Corps.
Initial examinations found that Gadis weighed approximately 30.5 kilograms and was estimated to be 25 years old. Garis, meanwhile, is believed to be around nine months old.
Medical personnel from the Central Kalimantan BKSDA administered initial treatment for the snare wounds on Gadis’s wrists. Garis is undergoing further observation, including blood sampling for laboratory analysis to assess its health and potential effects from exposure to smoke caused by forest and land fires.
Following the evacuation,the Central Kalimantan BKSDA will be responsible for the orangutans’ care for rehabilitation and recovery.
They will be under the care of the Orangutan Foundation International, which will provide specialized assistance based on their individual needs.
Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, Head of the Public Information Bureau of the Indonesian National Police Public Relations Division, said the operation demonstrated the importance of coordinated efforts to protect wildlife threatened in their natural habitats.
“This rescue highlights the importance of a rapid response and inter-agency synergy in protecting wildlife. The police are committed to supporting wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts, while also promoting preventive measures to minimize the impact of forest and land fires on wildlife ecosystems and their habitats,” said Trunoyudo in Jakarta on Friday (October 23, 2026).
Also Read:
Orangutan Rescue: Global Media Sound Alarm Over Kalimantan Wildfires
According to Trunoyudo, protecting wildlife affected by environmental disasters requires cooperation among law enforcement agencies, conservation authorities, rehabilitation organizations, and local communities.
He emphasized that rescue operations must be followed by rehabilitation and habitat protection to help safeguard the survival of protected species.
The initiative is also part of the police’s green policing approach, which promotes environmental protection through preventive measures, law enforcement against environmental crimes, and cooperation with relevant stakeholders.
The Indonesian National Police, working with relevant agencies, said they would continue strengthening environmental and wildlife protection efforts, including maintaining readiness for rescue operations and providing care for animals requiring assistance.
