Vice President Gibran Highlights Impact of Forest Fires on Orangutans
Vice President Gibran Rakabulating Raka has ensured that the care requirements for orangutans affected by smoke from forest and land fires (karhutla) are being met during his visit to the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan. The visit is part of a series of inspections by the Vice President regarding the handling of forest fires in Central Kalimantan, including their impact on wildlife and habitats.
“The handling of forest fires must be comprehensive. Humans must be protected, but we must not ignore wildlife and their habitats. I want to ensure that the care requirements here are truly fulfilled,” Gibran stated in a statement received in Jakarta on Thursday.
At the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, managed by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF), Gibran observed the rehabilitation and care processes and engaged in dialogue with veterinarians, volunteers, and the team involved in wildlife protection. The Vice President also delivered aid in the form of medicines, onions, and nebulisers to support the centre’s needs.
Gibran noted that wildlife protection is an inseparable part of environmental recovery efforts. He emphasised that treating animals suffering from health issues must be accompanied by thorough habitat restoration.
“Wildlife protection and environmental recovery are closely linked. This includes healing injured animals as well as restoring food sources, water, and ecosystems for wildlife,” he said.
The Vice President also expressed his appreciation to the veterinarians, animal lovers, volunteers, foundations, and all other parties involved in wildlife protection and care. “Thank you to the veterinarians, animal lovers, volunteers, foundations, and the entire team who continue to provide care to protect Indonesia’s wildlife. Your real actions are very meaningful,” he said.
During the visit, the Vice President inspected the BOSF Nyaru Menteng Forest School, which serves as a training ground for 17 orangutans. He also visited the individual quarantine area to observe the nebulisation process used to treat respiratory issues caused by exposure to forest fire smoke.
In the quarantine area, approximately 90 orangutans are undergoing treatment in various enclosures according to their specific conditions and needs. According to a BOSF update as of Sunday (6/9), the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre has not been directly impacted by fires. However, 21 orangutans have shown symptoms of respiratory distress consistent with acute respiratory infections (ISPA), such as coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. The BOSF veterinary and animal welfare team continues to monitor these orangutans and provide treatment tailored to each individual.
Forest fires are not merely an environmental issue but a multidimensional disaster that increases the economic, health, and educational burdens on women and children. Strengthening efforts are being implemented through intensified patrols and community socialisation. The Ministry of Forestry has provided a reporting channel for the rescue of wildlife affected by forest fires in Central Kalimantan via a 24-hour call centre and increased patrols.
The government is also strengthening the Wildlife Rescue Task Force in Central Kalimantan to protect orangutans from the impacts of forest fires, including the readiness of medical teams and equipment. Repeated exposure to smoke from forest fires not only disturbs breathing but also increases the risk of lung cancer due to micro-particles settling in the alveoli.
In a separate incident, the BKSDA West Kalimantan and YIARI teams evacuated a mother and baby orangutan in Ketapang due to fire threats, with a total of nine individuals rescued in the last month. Furthermore, an adult male orangutan named Sempurna died after being found in a very weak condition with respiratory issues caused by forest fires. Meanwhile, BKSDA East Kalimantan and COP successfully evacuated and released a male orangutan named Syahrul into the Gunung Batu Mesangat Protected Forest in Kutai Timur.