Death of Orangutan 'Sempurna' Draws Sharp Criticism in Parliament

The death of a Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) named Sempurna in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan, caused by smoke from forest and land fires (karhutla), has drawn sharp criticism from members of the House of Representatives (DPR). Several members and commission leaders in the DPR are urging the establishment of wildlife protection regulations to be implemented during forest fire incidents.

Sempurna was found by local residents in a very weak condition, suffering from respiratory distress, in Sempurna Hamlet, Kuala Satong Village, North Matan Hilir District, Ketapang Regency, on Sunday (30/8). The West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) together with the International Animal Rescue Indonesia Foundation (YIARI) immediately undertook rescue efforts and provided care for Sempurna.

Tragically, on Thursday (3/9), the Ministry of Forestry confirmed Sempurna’s death after several days of medical treatment and handling. The Head of BKSDA West Kalimantan, Murlan Dameria Pane, expressed condolences over the loss.

“We deeply regret that Sempurna could not be saved. Since receiving reports from the community, the West Kalimantan BKSDA team together with YIARI immediately carried out evacuation and provided medical treatment according to the animal’s condition. Further examinations are being conducted to determine the health status and the factors believed to have contributed to its death,” said Murlan.

The Need for SOPs to Protect Wildlife During Forest Fires

Deputy Chairman of Commission IV of the DPR from the PDI-P Faction, Alex Indra Lukman, has requested that the Ministry of Forestry develop a specific Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to protect wildlife during forest and land fires. This demand follows the death of Sempurna due to fire smoke.

“The Ministry of Forestry must draft an SOP regarding the protection of protected species during forest fires; for example, when facing haze, humans can use masks, but what about protected animals?” Alex told reporters on Friday (4/ss).

Alex stated that conservation areas should be protected from various disturbances, including forest fires. He urged for strict sanctions against those responsible for causing forest fires.

“Conservation areas should be protected from disturbances, especially disasters caused by humans. Therefore, there must be decisive action, not just administrative sanctions, against perpetrators,” he said.

The PDI-P politician assessed that forest and land fires should be categorised as a disaster because they have a negative impact on various sectors of life. Therefore, he argued, the handling of such incidents should not be done in a sectoral manner.

“Forest and land fires are disasters because they impact various sectors of life, including protected wildlife; therefore, they must be addressed through a disaster management mechanism, where emergency response and integrated handling must be implemented, rather than remaining sectoral,” he explained.

“For integration, there must be a single agency fully responsible for its implementation; in this regard, we have long established the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB),” he added.

A Severe Alarm for the Forest Fire Crisis

The death of the orangutan Sempurna due to forest fires is viewed by Member of Commission IV and Chairman of the PKB Central Executive Board, Daniel Johan, as a severe warning that can no longer be tolerated.

“We are all in mourning and are very concerned about the death of the orangutan that fainted due to exposure to smoke from forest fires in West Kalimantan. This is not merely the loss of a single protected individual; it is a loud alarm that the forest fire crisis in West Kalimantan has reached a point that can no longer be tolerated,” said Daniel Johan separately.

Daniel assessed that the impact of forest fires is felt not only by humans and orangutans. According to him, numerous other animals are also affected, demonstrating the extent of the ecological damage caused by these fires.

“The current condition in West Kalimantan is very concerning. The air quality is dangerous to breathe, not only for wildlife but also for the community who must breathe amidst the surrounding haze every day,” he said.

Nevertheless, Daniel also appreciated the efforts of YIARI and BKSDA West Kalimantan in handling and evacuating wildlife affected by the fires.

“I also appreciate the struggle of the community members who stepped in to extinguish the flames with all their limited equipment, such as ‘The Power of Mama’ in Ketapang Regency. Even though they are all women, the struggle of the civilian frontline, who should be supported by adequate infrastructure, is significant as they risk their lives to ensure the fire is extinguished,” he expressed.

Urging Accelerated Wildlife Evacuation

Member of the DPR for the East Kalimantan constituency, Hetifah Sjaifudian, also expressed concern over the death of Sempurna. Hetifah emphasised that the handling of forest fires should not focus solely on extinguishing the flames.

“I am concerned about the death of Sempurna, the orangutan previously found in critical condition due to the impact of forest fire smoke in Ketapang. This serves as a reminder that forest fires bring widespread impacts, not only for humans but also for wildlife and ecosystems,” said Hetifah.

Hetifah urged the BNPB, BKSDA, Ministry of Environment, local governments, and other relevant parties to prioritise the safety of residents and wildlife in the management of forest fires. She asserted that the safety of affected populations and animals must be a serious priority.

The Member of Commission VIII of the DPR requested that the evacuation of wildlife affected by forest fires in various parts of Indonesia be accelerated. Hetifah warned against waiting until the fire conditions worsen.

“When smoke is already endangering the respiratory health of the community and wildlife is losing lives, the response must not wait until conditions become more severe. There must be rapid steps for evacuation, rescue, health services, and protection for both the community and wildlife in the affected areas,” she stated.

The Golkar politician also called for strengthened inter-agency coordination. Hetifah assessed that coordination is vital to ensure that the handling of forest fires on the ground does not proceed in isolation.