Aceh BKSDA Releases Isolated Orangutan in Palm Oil Plantation

Banda Aceh (ANTARA) - The Aceh Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) released one individual of Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii) that had previously been isolated in a palm oil plantation in South Aceh Regency.

The Head of BKSDA Aceh, Ujang Wisnu Barata, in Banda Aceh on Monday, stated that the release process of the orangutan into its habitat took place on 12 April. The orangutan was released back into the forest area in South Aceh Regency.

“Previously, BKSDA Aceh through the Trumon Area Wildlife Conservation Resort received a report of one individual orangutan entering a palm oil plantation in the buffer area around the forest in South Aceh Regency on 8 April 2026,” he said.

From that report, Ujang Wisnu said, BKSDA deployed a team along with animal health personnel to the location. The team successfully evacuated the protected wild animal that was isolated in the palm oil plantation area.

The Head of BKSDA Aceh mentioned that the orangutan is male and aged between eight and nine years. When evacuated, no wounds or trauma were found on its body.

“We urge the public that if they find or encounter an orangutan outside the forest, such as in plantations or settlements, to immediately report it to the nearest BKSDA officers for prompt and appropriate handling,” he said.

In addition, BKSDA Aceh also asks the public to help preserve forests and their surrounding ecosystems, and not to cut down or clear land in forest areas that are the habitat of orangutans.

“The reduction and fragmentation of habitat due to land use conversion is one of the main factors in the decline of the Sumatran orangutan population,” said Ujang Wisnu Barata.