Four Orangutans Released to Kehje Sewen, Habitat Protection is Key

GARISBUMI.com – Catherine, Dennis, Ames, and Marlon started life in the wild after being released into the Kehje Sewen Forest, East Kalimantan (Kaltim), Thursday (5/11). For the four rehabilitated orangutans, returning to the forest is the beginning of a journey whose sustainability depends on individual readiness and habitat protection.

The Ministry of Forestry, through the East Kalimantan (Kaltim) Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA), carried out the release together with the Borneo Orangutan Rescue Foundation (BOS Foundation) and a number of partners. The four orangutans previously underwent rehabilitation at the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Rehabilitation Center.

The Kehje Sewen Forest, which is located in East Kutai and Kutai Kartanegara districts, is a location for them to return to living a wild life.

Orangutan readiness and habitat must go together

The Head of the East Kalimantan (Kaltim) BKSDA, M. Ari Wibawanto, said that release requires careful preparation. The readiness of each orangutan must be ensured, as well as the ability of the destination habitat to support their lives.

"We hope that the released orangutans can adapt well and live their lives naturally in the Kehje Sewen Forest. This effort needs to continue to be accompanied by habitat protection so that orangutans have the opportunity to survive and develop in the wild," said Ari.

The statement places forest protection as an important part of reintroduction. The return of orangutans to their natural habitat needs to be accompanied by efforts to protect their living areas so that the recovery process can continue.