en.malanginspirasi.com – The Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut), through the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and in collaboration with the Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia Foundation (YIARI), evacuated an adult male orang utan found in a weakened state at a community palm oil plantation in Dusun Satu Sempurna, Kuala Satong Village, North Matan Hilir District, Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan, on Sunday (August 30, 2026).
The evacuation was carried out after the Wildlife Rescue Unit (WRU) team from the West Kalimantan BKSDA’s Conservation Section (Wilayah I) received a report from the public regarding the orangutan’s presence at 07:27 WIB. The West Kalimantan BKSDA team and YIARI immediately proceeded to the location to conduct the rescue operation.
YIARI’s Orangutan Protection Unit (OPU) team had previously spotted the orangutan in the vicinity on August 16, 2026.
At that time, the orangutan was still actively moving around.
However, when found again on Sunday morning, it was in a weakened condition within the community palm oil plantation area.
The team then administered a controlled dose of anesthetic at approximately 09:13 WIB to ensure the examination and evacuation could proceed safely.
Also Read:
Severe Thick Haze of Kalimantan Fires Force Evacuations and School Closures Across Indonesia
A YIARI veterinarian conducted a health check and provided initial treatment, including oxygen and intravenous fluids.
The examination also included the collection of blood, fecal, and hair samples to facilitate further analysis.
The team implanted a microchip as part of the identification and monitoring process for the individual orangutan.
The rescue operation took place amidst fires in the forested area surrounding a community-owned palm oil plantation, which were generating smoke.
The team also found no water source near the location where the orangutan was discovered.
Preliminary observations suggest that the orangutan’s weakened state was likely due to smoke exposure and dehydration.
However, further medical examination is required to confirm the animal’s health status and the underlying cause of its condition.
Once the effects of the anesthesia began to wear off and the orangutan was deemed fit for transport, the team evacuated it to the YIARI rehabilitation center for further observation and medical care.
Murlan Dameria Pane, Head of the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), stated that the fires occurring around the animal’s habitat and home range require attention, as they can impact the movements and well-being of wildlife.
“Fires not only affect land cover but also potentially place stress on the wildlife in the vicinity. Therefore, monitoring animal movements in affected areas is crucial. We appreciate the reports from the public and the cooperation of all parties, which enabled this orangutan to receive timely assistance,” said Murlan.
The Ministry of Forestry urges the public not to attempt to handle orangutans or other wildlife themselves if they encounter them near settlements, plantations, or areas affected by fires.
The public is advised to maintain a safe distance, refrain from disturbing or feeding the animals, and immediately report sightings to the BKSDA or local forestry officials.
