Sempurna Dies Due to Forest Fires; MP Urges Accelerated Wildlife Evacuation

Hetifah Sjaifudian, a Member of Parliament representing the East Kalimantan constituency, has expressed deep concern over the death of an orangutan named Sempurna, who succumbed to the effects of smoke from forest and land fires (karhutla) in Ketapang, West Kalimantan. Hetifah emphasised that forest fire management should not focus solely on extinguishing flames.

“I am saddened by the death of Sempurna, an orangutan who was previously found in critical condition due to the impact of forest fire smoke in Ketapang. This serves as a reminder that forest fires have a wide-ranging impact, not only on humans but also on wildlife and ecosystems,” Hetifah told reporters on Friday (4/9/2026).

Hetifah is urging the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), the Ministry of Environment, local governments, and other relevant parties to prioritise the safety of both residents and wildlife in fire management efforts. She asserted that the safety of affected populations and animals must be a serious priority.

The Member of Commission VIII of the DPR requested that the evacuation of wildlife affected by forest fires across various points in Indonesia be accelerated. Hetifah warned against waiting until fire conditions worsen.

“When smoke already endangers the respiratory health of the community and wildlife loses its life, the response must not wait until conditions deteriorate further. There must be rapid steps for evacuation, rescue, medical services, and protection for the people and wildlife in affected areas,” she stated.

The Golkar politician also called for strengthened inter-agency coordination. Hetfah believes coordination is vital to ensure that forest fire management on the ground does not operate in isolation.

“The success of forest fire management is measured not only by how many fire hotspots are extinguished but also by how many people are protected and how many animals and ecosystems are saved,” she added.

“This event reminds us that forest fires are disasters with very broad impacts. Therefore, the management must also be comprehensive,” she added.

Previously, the Ministry of Forestry confirmed the death of the Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) named Sempurna. Sempurna was previously found unconscious due to respiratory distress, suspected to be caused by exposure to forest fire smoke in Ketapang, West Kalimantan.

Sempurna was found in a very weak condition with respiratory issues in Sempurna Hamlet, Kuala Satong Village, North Matan Hilir District, Ketapang Regency. According to Antara, Murlan Dameria Pane of the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) expressed condolences over Sempurna’s death.

“We deeply regret that Sempurna could not be saved. Since receiving reports from the community, the West Kalimantan BKSDA team, together with YIARI, immediately carried out an evacuation and provided medical treatment according to the animal’s condition. Further examinations are being conducted to determine the health status and the factors suspected to have contributed to its death,” said Murlan on Thursday (3/9).