Orangutan Dies from Oxygen Deprivation, Impacted by Forest Fire Smoke in West Kalimantan

Forest fires and land clearing (karhutla) are suspected to be one of the factors causing the death of an adult male orangutan named Sempurna in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan. The orangutan was found in a very weak condition and suffering from respiratory distress before ultimately passing away on Sunday (30/08/2026).

The West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), through an official statement on Thursday (03/09/2025), stated that residents of Sempurna Hamlet, Kuala Satong Village, North Matan Hilir District, Ketapang Regency, discovered Sempurna in a dry ditch within a local palm oil plantation at approximately 07:00 WIB. Sempurna was found unable to stand and with very limited mobility.

The animal was also experiencing difficulty breathing. BKSDA West Kalimantan, together with the International Animal Rescue Indonesia Foundation (YIARI), subsequently carried out an evacuation and provided first aid. The team administered oxygen therapy and intravenous fluids before transporting Sempurna to the YIARI rehabilitation centre at approximately 11:30 WIB for further medical treatment.

However, Sempurna’s condition continued to deteriorate. At around 14:00 WIB, his breathing became shallower and oxygen saturation was no longer detectable. The team then performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) after Sempurna showed signs of respiratory arrest. Sempurna was officially declared dead at 15:20 WIB.

To determine the health condition and the factors contributing to his death, the team performed a necropsy on Tuesday (01/09/2026). The examination revealed pathological changes in several organs, particularly the lungs, heart, and kidneys.

In Sempurna’s lungs, congestion and partial atelectasis were found, especially in the caudoventral part of both lung lobes. Based on the clinical history and examination results, these changes in the lungs are suspected to be related to smoke exposure.