The Ministry of Forestry, through the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), together with the Indonesian Foundation for the Initiation of Nature Rehabilitation (YIARI), evacuated an adult male orangutan found in a weakened condition in a community-owned oil palm plantation in Hamlet 1 Sempurna, Kuala Satong Village, North Matan Hilir District, Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan, on Sunday (August 30).
The Wildlife Rescue Unit (WRU) team from Section I of the West Kalimantan BKSDA received a report about the orangutan at 7:27 a.m. local time. Following up on the report, the West Kalimantan BKSDA and YIARI immediately deployed a team to carry out the rescue.
The orangutan had previously been monitored by YIARI’s Orangutan Protection Unit (OPU) team on August 16, 2026, around the rescue site. At that time, however, the orangutan was still actively moving between locations. When it was found again on Sunday morning, the orangutan was in a weakened condition in a community oil palm plantation.
At around 9:13 a.m., the team administered a controlled dose of anesthetic to allow the examination and evacuation to be carried out safely. A YIARI veterinarian then conducted a health examination and provided initial treatment, including oxygen and intravenous fluids.
The medical team also collected blood, feces, and hair samples for further examination. In addition, a microchip was implanted as part of the identification and monitoring of the orangutan.
During the rescue operation, the forested area surrounding the community oil palm plantation in Kuala Satong Village was reportedly experiencing a fire that produced smoke. The team on the ground also found no water source near the location where the orangutan was discovered.
Based on initial observations, the orangutan’s weakened condition is suspected to be related to smoke exposure and dehydration. However, further medical examinations are still required to determine its overall health condition and the underlying cause of its weakness.
After the effects of the anesthetic gradually subsided and the orangutan was deemed fit for transport, the team immediately evacuated it to the YIARI rehabilitation center for further observation and medical treatment.
Head of the West Kalimantan BKSDA, Murlan Dameria Pane, said fires around wildlife habitats and home ranges require attention because they can affect the movement and condition of wild animals.
“Fires not only affect land cover but can also place additional pressure on wildlife in the surrounding areas. Therefore, monitoring animal movements in affected areas is also important. We appreciate the reports from the community and the cooperation of all parties, which enabled this orangutan to receive help promptly,” Murlan said in a written statement on Monday, August 31, 2026.
The Ministry of Forestry urges members of the public who encounter orangutans or other wildlife near residential areas, plantations, or fire-affected areas not to attempt to handle the animals themselves. People are advised to keep their distance, avoid disturbing or feeding the animals, and immediately report their presence to the BKSDA or local forestry officials.
