Suspected Orangutan Skull Found in Ketapang Palm Oil Plantation, Team Prepares Forensic Test

KETAPANG, GARISBUMI.com – The discovery of a skull suspected to belong to a Kalimantan orangutan in the PT KAL oil palm plantation conservation area, Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan (Kalbar), was followed up by a joint cross-agency team. Forensic tests are being prepared to confirm the species and investigate the cause and estimated time of the animal's death.

The skull was found in a High Conservation Value (HCV) area or an area of ​​high conservation value. After receiving information from the public, the joint team evacuated the findings on Thursday (8/10/2026).

The team involved the West Kalimantan (Kalbar) Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), the Kalimantan Regional Forestry Law Enforcement Agency (Gakkumhut), and the West Kalimantan (Kalbar) Environment and Forestry Service (DLHK). Veterinarians from the Indonesian Rehabilitation Natural Initiation Foundation (YIARI) helped with the evacuation process, accompanied by PT KAL management.

West Kalimantan (Kalbar) DLHK has also started collecting materials and information or collections from related parties, including the management responsible for the plantation.

Head of the West Kalimantan (Kalbar) BKSDA, Murlan Dameria Pane, said the evacuation with a team of veterinarians was carried out to ensure that the handling of evidence followed scientific procedures. The next stage is a forensic test with the Kalimantan Regional Gakkumhut Center.

"We need to know for certain whether this skull is really Pongo pygmaeus, the estimated time of death, and whether there were any indications of trauma or physical violence before the animal died," he said.

Thus, the identity of the species and the cause of the animal's death are still awaiting the results of the examination. Whether or not there are indications of violence is also part of what will be investigated through forensic testing.

Head of West Kalimantan (Kalbar) DLHK, Adi Yani, appreciated the report from the people of Ketapang. He stated that his party would monitor the investigation into the findings, including asking for information from company management.

"The HCV area should be an absolute safe zone for biodiversity, and we will ensure that this investigation is transparent to reveal the facts on the ground," he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Kalimantan Regional Gakkumhut Center, Leonardo Gultom, emphasized that the results of collecting information and forensic examinations will determine follow-up actions for law enforcement.

"The results from Pulbaket and forensic test documents will later become a strong legal basis for us to determine the next steps for law enforcement," he said.

Leonardo stated that his staff will not tolerate negligence or deliberate actions that threaten the existence of protected animals within the company's concessions.

Separately, the Director General of Forestry Law Enforcement, Dwi Januanto Nugroho, said the Ministry of Forestry was paying serious attention to the findings. According to him, plantation companies that own HCV areas bear the responsibility to protect wildlife corridors in their areas.

"We have instructed all levels of joint teams in the regions to thoroughly investigate this case down to the root cause," he stressed.

The Ministry of Forestry appealed to the public to hand over the investigation process to the joint team. The development of forensic test results and collection of materials and information will be provided periodically to the public.