Javan Langur 'Momon' Evacuated After Being Kept by Bondowoso Resident
The Ministry of Forestry, through the East Java Natural Resources Conservation Centre (BBKSDA), has evacuated a Javan languor (Trachypithecus auratus) that was being kept by a resident of Sukosari Lor Village, Sukosari Sub-district, Bondowoso Regency, East Java.
The protected animal, named Momon, is now undergoing observation and rehabilitation before further conservation steps are determined.
The rescue began when a veterinary paramedic from the Bondowoso Regency Livestock and Fisheries Service was carrying out a livestock census and found a languor tied up near a resident’s house.
The finding was reported to the veterinarian of the Bondowoso Regency Livestock and Fisheries Service, Zumara Mufida, before being forwarded to the KSDA Section III Jember for follow-up.
BBKSDA East Java then coordinated with the Bhabinkamtibmas of Sukosari Police Post, the Babinsa, and the Sukosari Lor Village Government to approach the keeper persuasively.
The keeper ultimately agreed to hand Momon over to the state voluntarily.
According to the keeper, Momon was found around three to four years ago as an infant in the Selapak coffee plantation area, not far from Sempol Village, Ijen Sub-district, Bondowoso Regency. At the time, the animal was found alone without its mother.
The resident took pity on the infant languor, brought it home and cared for it until it reached adulthood.
While keeping Momon, the resident admitted not knowing the procedures to follow when finding a protected wild animal.
Ristianto Pribadi, Head of the Public Relations and International Cooperation Bureau at the Ministry of Forestry, said Momon’s rescue forms part of the ministry’s commitment under the leadership of Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni to strengthen the protection of protected wildlife and preserve Indonesia’s biodiversity.
According to him, the successful rescue shows that wildlife protection cannot be carried out by the government alone, but requires community support and care.
“The success of Momon’s evacuation also demonstrates the importance of cross-party collaboration in wildlife protection. The synergy between the community, the Bondowoso Regency Livestock and Fisheries Service, Babinsa, Bhabinkamtibmas, the Sukosari Lor Village Government and BBKSDA East Java allowed the rescue process to proceed persuasively and without conflict,” Ristianto said in a written statement on Saturday (25/7).
After evacuation, Momon underwent an initial physical examination before being placed in the care of the Jember Mini Zoo conservation institution.
At the facility, the animal will undergo behavioural observation, comprehensive health checks and rehabilitation.
The results of the observation will form the basis for determining the next conservation steps, while continuing to prioritise the principle of animal welfare.
Ristianto explained that the Javan languor is an endemic Indonesian primate with protected status that plays an important ecological role in the wild, one of which is helping to disperse the seeds of various forest plants, thereby supporting vegetation regeneration and maintaining ecosystem balance.
He urged the public not to capture, keep, trade or possess protected wild animals.
“If a protected wild animal is found, the public is urged to report it immediately to the nearest BBKSDA/BKSDA office or forestry officers so it can be handled in accordance with the regulations,” said Ristianto.