Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni led the release of two Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) into their natural habitat in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, after they were evacuated from an oil palm plantation.
He carried out the initiative alongside Dr. Karmele Llano Sanchez, CEO of the nonprofit organization Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI), as well as police and military personnel in Ketapang on Saturday, according to a statement received in Jakarta.
"While we are delighted that these orangutans have been rescued from the oil palm plantation, it is sad to realize that there remains a lot of work ahead of us for orangutans," Antoni said.
He emphasized the shared responsibility to protect the animals' natural habitat and ensure they have safe places to live and thrive.
Both orangutans released on Saturday were male, named Adil and Gigih, and aged eight and 10, respectively. They were released after being evacuated from Laman Satong Village a day earlier.
Antoni said the conservation efforts should not stop at rescuing and releasing orangutans into their natural habitat, underscoring the need for sustained measures to protect the ecosystem and ensure the species' long-term survival.
"Hopefully, the release of these two orangutans will strengthen our shared commitment to protecting this species and its forests. With their habitat and ecosystem safeguarded, they will no longer need to be rescued and released in the future," the minister said.
He further noted that the Ministry of Forestry would continue to collaborate with YIARI and other partners on mitigation and conservation efforts for orangutans, including protecting them from wildfires.
The minister also encouraged the public to notify authorities if they spot orangutans wandering into residential areas so they can be evacuated safely.
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Translator: P.T. Violleta, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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