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

Forest and land fires (karhutla) are threatening the area around the YIARI Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, prompting the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) to deploy water bombing operations to accelerate extinguishing efforts.

“The fire was detected on 22 July 2024 on Jalan Ketapang-Tanjungpura KM 5, Sungai Awan Kiri Village, Delta Pawan Subdistrict, or about one kilometre from the YIARI orangutan rehabilitation centre,” said Argitoe Ranting, Operations Director of the YIARI Programme in Ketapang, on Thursday.

A joint team from the Ketapang District Forest and Land Fire Task Force, comprising BNPB, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Manggala Agni, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the National Police, supported by YIARI and PT MoPaKha, continues to carry out extinguishing and monitoring operations at the site.

Based on preliminary monitoring, the area affected by the fire is estimated to have reached 15 hectares, although data collection is still ongoing by the field team.

Argitoe Ranting said the safety of the orangutans and other animals at the rehabilitation centre is the top priority, while all the animals are currently safe and continue to be monitored by a team of veterinarians and animal keepers.

“Since the fire was detected, the entire team has moved quickly to carry out emergency response procedures to ensure the orangutans and other animals remain safe, while supporting fire control efforts around the area,” he said.

The Acting Head of the Manggala Agni Operational Area for Kalimantan X/Ketapang, Efendi, said the handling of the fires around the orangutan rehabilitation centre reflects a shared commitment to protecting forests, wildlife and public safety.

“We urge the public not to burn land and to report any indications of fire immediately so they can be dealt with as early as possible,” he said.

The joint team reminded the public not to clear land by burning and to promptly report fire 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.