Javan Langur 'Momon' Evacuated After Being Kept by Bondowoso Resident

The Ministry of Forestry, through the East Java Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA), has evacuated a Javan langur (Trachypithecus auratus) that was being kept by a resident in Sukosari Lor Village, Sukosari District, Bondowoso Regency, East Java. The protected animal, named ‘Momon’, is now undergoing observation and rehabilitation before further conservation steps are determined. The rescue of Momon began when a veterinary paramedic from the Bondowoso Regency Livestock and Fisheries Service was conducting a livestock census. During the census, a langur was found tied up near a resident’s house. The finding was then reported to the veterinarian of the Bondowoso Regency Livestock and Fisheries Service, Zumara Mufida, before being forwarded to the Region III Jember Conservation Section for follow-up. The East Java BBKSDA subsequently coordinated with the Sukosari Police Sector’s Bhabinkamtibmas, the Babinsa, and the Sukosari Lor Village Government to take a persuasive approach with the keeper. The keeper eventually agreed to surrender Momon voluntarily to the state. According to the keeper’s account, Momon was found approximately three to four years ago as an infant in the Selapak coffee plantation area, not far from Sempol Village, Ijen District, Bondowoso Regency. The resident took pity on the lone baby langur and brought it home to care for it until it grew up. The keeper admitted to not knowing the proper procedures for handling protected wildlife. Head of the Public Relations and Foreign Cooperation Bureau of the Ministry of Forestry, Ristianto Pribadi, stated that Momon’s rescue is part of the ministry’s commitment under Minister Raja Juli Antoni to strengthen the protection of endangered wildlife and preserve Indonesia’s biodiversity. He noted that the success of Momon’s evacuation demonstrates that wildlife protection cannot be done by the government alone but requires public support and awareness. ‘The successful evacuation of Momon also shows the importance of cross-sector collaboration in wildlife protection. The synergy between the community, the Bondowoso Livestock and Fisheries Service, Babinsa, Bhabinkamtibmas, the Sukosari Lor Village Government, and the East Java BBKSDA enabled a persuasive and conflict-free rescue process,’ Ristianto said in a written statement on Saturday (25/7). After evacuation, Momon underwent an initial physical examination before being placed in temporary care at the Jember Mini Zoo Conservation Institute. At this location, the animal will undergo behavioural observation, a thorough health check, and rehabilitation. The results of the observation will serve as the basis for determining the next conservation steps while prioritising animal welfare principles. Ristianto explained that the Javan langur is an endemic Indonesian primate with protected status and plays an important ecological role, including helping to disperse 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 wildlife. ‘If members of the public find protected wildlife, they are urged to immediately report it to the nearest BBKSDA or forestry officer so it can be handled according to regulations,’ Ristianto said.