The inspection was part of his working visit across Central Kalimantan evaluating emergency response operations and habitat preservation efforts.
"The handling of forest fires must be comprehensive. Humans must be protected, but we must not neglect wildlife and their habitats either. I want to ensure that the care needs here are truly being met," VP Gibran said in his statement.
During his visit to the facility, the Vice President inspected the Forest School training ground for 17 young orangutans and visited the quarantine area.
He observed veterinarians administering nebulization therapy—a treatment using therapeutic mist—to assist orangutans suffering from respiratory distress caused by thick haze.
To support medical efforts, Gibran handed over emergency aid to the center, including medical supplies, nebulizers, and supplementary food provisions.
"Wildlife protection and environmental restoration are important, interconnected matters. This includes healing injured animals and restoring food sources, water, and ecosystems for the wildlife," he stated.
He further expressed appreciation to veterinarians, foundation staff, and volunteers for their ongoing efforts to safeguard national biodiversity amid hazardous conditions.
Managed by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF), the Nyaru Menteng facility currently houses approximately 90 orangutans in its quarantine zone.
While the center itself has not been directly reached by flames, smoke exposure has triggered acute respiratory infection (ARI) symptoms—including coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge—in 21 orangutans, according to a BOSF update from Sunday (September 6).
Medical teams continue to monitor and treat the affected animals.
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Translator: Prisca Triferna Violleta, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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