Forest Fires Threaten Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in West Kalimantan, Water Bombing Deployed

Forest and land fires are threatening the YIARI Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, prompting the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) to deploy water bombing operations to accelerate fire suppression. The fire was detected on 22 July 2024 on Jalan Ketapang-Tanjungpura KM 5, Sungai Awan Kiri Village, Delta Pawan District, approximately one kilometre from the YIARI orangutan rehabilitation centre. A joint task force comprising the BNPB, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Manggala Agni, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the National Police, and supported by YIARI and PT MoPaKha, is continuing firefighting and monitoring efforts at the site. Preliminary monitoring estimates the affected area at around 15 hectares, though data collection by field teams is still ongoing. YIARI Operational Programme Director Argitoe Ranting stated that the safety of the orangutans and other wildlife at the rehabilitation centre is the top priority, and all animals are currently safe and under continuous monitoring by the veterinary and animal keeper teams. ‘Since the fire was detected, the entire team moved quickly to implement emergency response procedures to ensure the orangutans and other wildlife remain safe, while supporting fire control efforts around the area,’ he said. Acting Head of the Manggala Agni Operations Region for Kalimantan X/Ketapang, Efendi, said that handling the forest fire near the orangutan rehabilitation centre demonstrates a shared commitment to protecting forests, wildlife, and public safety. ‘We urge the public not to clear land by burning and to immediately report any indications of fire so that it can be dealt with as early as possible,’ he said. The joint task force reminded the public not to open land by burning and to promptly report any hotspots to the authorities, as rapid response is needed to prevent the fires from spreading and to minimise the impact on the environment and wildlife.