The 10 orangutans comprised two males and eight females, and they have undergone rehabilitation at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre run by BOS Foundation.
Head of the Central Kalimantan BKSDA Sadtata Noor Adirahmanta stated here, Wednesday, that the release of the endangered species into the natural habitat was part of the efforts to conserve biodiversity.
Orangutan conservation has become a priority of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK). Their existence in nature should be maintained through various conservation efforts, he remarked.
"By increasing mutual understanding regarding the importance of conserving this protected endemic species of Kalimantan and protecting their habitat, we hope that the forest ecosystem will be maintained," Adirahmanta remarked.
He emphasized that wildlife conservation would need support from all parties to face the increasing challenges from time to time.
"The government is committed to preserving Indonesia's biodiversity through systematic conservation efforts by protecting life support systems, preserving species' diversity and their ecosystems, and using natural resources in a sustainable manner," he noted.
Head of TNBBBR Andi Muhammad Gaddafi said the agency has established an orangutan monitoring post located on the Hiran River path in Tumbang Hiran Resort, SPTN (National Park Management Section) Region II, Central Kalimantan.
He noted that since 2016, the TNBBBR, in collaboration with the province's BKSDA and the BOS Foundation, had released 189 orangutans. The release of the 10 orangutans brought the total figure to 199.
"There have been seven natural births recorded in TNBBBR since the first orangutan release in 2016," he remarked.
Chief Executive Officer of BOS Foundation Jamartin Sihite noted that the release of the 10 orangutans was the second release to have been conducted by the foundation in 2023.
Currently, some 400 orangutans are being rehabilitated at the rehabilitation center before being released to live freely and independently in the forest.
Through joint work involving all parties and stakeholders, the protection and preservation of orangutans will further develop and be maintained. In return, the forest ecosystem will be healthier.
"For these ecosystems to thrive, they need orangutans and in return, they give us humans fresh air, clean water, and a regulated climate," he elaborated.
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Translator: Adi Wibowo, Sri Haryati
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
