BOS Foundation and BKSDA Release Five Orangutans into Kalimantan Forest

The Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation, the Central Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), and other related parties have released five orangutans back into the wild in the Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park (TNBBBR).

“Each orangutan returning to the forest carries a long story of struggle. Himba, Lykke, Farida, Nett, and Semeru have undergone years of rehabilitation to learn how to be wild orangutans again,” said BOS Foundation Chairman Jamartin Sihite. He added that this release is not merely the end of a rehabilitation process, but the beginning of a new life for them in the wild.

Each individual has a unique journey. Himba, a 15-year-old male, was found with serious burns from a forest fire when he was still a baby. After 14 years of rehabilitation, he has grown into a resilient individual, actively exploring and skilled at finding natural food. Lykke, a 23-year-old female, arrived at Nyaru Menteng with her mother when she was about one month old. After nearly 22 years of rehabilitation, Lykke is known as an independent individual who spends most of her time in the trees.

Meanwhile, Farida, a 19-year-old female from Tumbang Samba, demonstrated excellent exploration and adaptation skills during the pre-release phase. Together with Nett and Semeru, they are now beginning a new journey towards freedom in the Kalimantan forest.

Head of the Central Kalimantan BKSDA, Andi Muhammad Kadhafi, stated that every orangutan release is part of a collective effort to restore ecosystem balance and ensure the preservation of Indonesia’s biodiversity. This release is the 47th conducted jointly with the BOS Foundation in Central Kalimantan. “We appreciate the ongoing cooperation in supporting orangutan and habitat conservation, so that these preservation efforts can proceed sustainably,” he said.

Head of TNBBBR, Mochamad Satori, added that Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park serves as a crucial stronghold for the survival of orangutans in the wild. The five orangutans released today will become part of the forest ecosystem that is continuously protected together. “Their presence in the wild plays an important role in maintaining the balance of the tropical forest, so the protection of conservation areas must be continuously strengthened through cross-party cooperation and community support,” he said.