Forest Fires Approach Special Purpose Forest in East Kalimantan, 11 Orangutans Evacuated

A total of 11 orangutans have been evacuated from the Jejak Pulang forest school located within the Special Purpose Forest Area (KHDTK) of Samboja, Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan. All orangutans were moved after an emergency status was activated as forest and land fires began spreading towards the forest school.

Siti Nur Badriyah, Head of Orangutan Care at Jejak Pulang, stated that the forest school serves as a rehabilitation centre for orphaned orangutans before they are eventually released back into the wild. The forest school is situated within a KHDTK area spanning approximately 3,517.53 hectares.

“Jejak Pulang focuses on the rehabilitation of orphaned orangutans. Our rehabilitation centre is located within the KHDTK forest area. The KHDTK covers about 3.5 hectares, while the area used as the forest school is approximately 130 hectares,” said Siti.

Siti noted that the threat of fire prompted the Orangutan Department team to immediately activate emergency status. All orangutan keepers were subsequently ordered to move the animals located at the forest school to a safe location.

Meanwhile, the Head of BKSDA East Kalimantan, M. Ari Wibawanto, confirmed that the decision to evacuate the 11 orangutans was made after assessing the threat of forest fires around the rehabilitation centre. He stated that evacuation was the most appropriate course of action given the threatening conditions.

“It is true, they were evacuated. Based on a mutual agreement, this step was the most appropriate choice regarding animal welfare, safety, and other factors, particularly concerning the progress of the ongoing rehabilitation,” he explained.