"Hence, there are two female honey bears that we have freed, so they can multiply. This is the commitment of the company, through the permit, that is ready to preserve sun bears that were almost extinct some time ago," Secretary General of the Environment and Forestry Ministry Bambang Hendroyono stated in Kubu Raya on Tuesday.
The ministry collaborates with stakeholders comprising the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation, Pontianak VIII Forest Conservation, PT Menggala Rambu Utama, and others.
Hendroyono noted that the initiative already had legal permits from the company as basis, and it would be followed up by them. The company provides its area as a safe and comfortable habitat for the sun bear.
"Thus, the company (supports) by allocating a place to monitor the bear's presence and attaching a device on the leg, so through satellite, we can keep track of her. At least we let them live freely in their habitat," he stated.
He opined that there would still be plenty of wild animals, such as sun bears, as long as forests still exist and there was strong collaboration from several stakeholders.
"Hence, synergy and collaboration from higher-ups, both the Environment and Forestry Ministry with the Head of Kubu Raya District and West Kalimantan Governor in the rescue of wildlife, so they would not go extinct. Truthfully, it is also our collective commitment to improve (such efforts)," he noted.
On the same occasion, Head of Kubu Raya District Muda Mahendrawan said that the wildlife release program allowed the company to pursue its commitment of ensuring safety and security in the area.
"We are grateful that the program will enable the implementation of commitment from the companies that take part in providing safety and security of the area, thereby allowing (them) to oversee and protect wildlife, seeing as there are many risks that could happen, such as forest and land fires and others," he noted.
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Translator: Rendra Oxtora, Sucia Lucinda, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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