Orangutan Activist Birutė Galdikas Passes Away, Forestry Minister Remembers Her Dedication in Central Kalimantan

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has conveyed his condolences over the death of world-renowned orangutan conservation activist Birutė Mary Galdikas. He recalled the contributions of Birutė Galdikas, who spent decades in the remote forests of Central Kalimantan for the conservation of orangutan habitats.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Forestry, I extend my deepest condolences on Mrs Birutė’s passing. Indonesia has lost one of its finest daughters who worked tirelessly in silence for decades in the remote forests of Central Kalimantan for the conservation of orangutan habitats,” said Raja Juli in his statement on Wednesday (25/3/2026).

“If today you see the beautiful and well-preserved Tanjung Puting National Park with orangutans that leave you in awe, you will find the footprints and handprints of a woman with a strong heart and high commitment—besides the old wooden house she built in the early 1970s,” he continued.

Raja Juli has a deep impression from meeting Birutė Galdikas. He recounted that the moment occurred at the beginning of his tenure as Forestry Minister, when he reopened the space for dialogue with conservation activists. The reopening of discussions after eight years of closure was welcomed with emotion by Birutė.

“Remembering her husband and the hard work they have done all this time, and now the doors of Manggala are open again for discussion, conversation, even delivering sharp criticism,” he said.

Raja Juli then revealed Birutė Galdikas’s last message regarding her wish to be buried in Indonesia. This will was conveyed through Birutė’s son, Fred, who said his mother wanted to be buried in Dayak land, Central Kalimantan, close to her husband’s grave.

He also mentioned that he has coordinated with several Indonesian representatives abroad to accelerate the process. Raja Juli hopes that the entire repatriation process can run smoothly and be realised soon in accordance with the will.

“Alhamdulillah, I have received the phone number of our Consul General in LA from Mr Umar Hadi, PTRI New York. I even received a WhatsApp from our Ambassador in DC, Mr Indroyono, who informed about Mrs Birutė’s passing. To him, I entrusted the handling of administration at KJRI LA. May the process be quick,” he said.