In the spirit of commemorating National Awakening Day, the Central Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park Authority (TNBBBR), the Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation, and partners have once again released five orangutans back into their natural habitat. This event took place in the Tumbang Hiran Resort area, Management Section II Kasongan, TNBBBR.
The five orangutans, three females and two males, had completed an extensive rehabilitation process at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and were declared ready to return to the wild. This release is part of an ongoing conservation effort and serves as a reminder of the importance of a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
Each orangutan released carries a unique and moving story. Among them is Jumbo, a 12-year-old male rescued as a 6-month-old infant from Hanau Village. After 11 years of rehabilitation, he is now recognized as an independent, sociable individual during his pre-release stage. Also released is Rongda, a resilient 25-year-old female repatriated from Thailand, who has spent 19 years in rehabilitation and is now ready for life in the wild. Meanwhile, Hanau, an 18-year-old female once kept illegally as a pet, has shown excellent exploratory and natural foraging behaviors during her pre-release period. Together, these orangutans embark on a journey to freedom, bringing new hope for the future of Indonesia’s tropical forests.
GOVERNOR OF CENTRAL KALIMANTAN, H. SUGIANTO SABRAN, S.KOM., remarked, “This orangutan release is not only about returning wildlife to their natural habitats but also reflects our commitment to preserving the natural heritage of Central Kalimantan. As we commemorate National Awakening Day and approach the 68th Anniversary of Central Kalimantan Province on May 23, 2025, we are reminded that true national awakening includes raising awareness to coexist in harmony with nature. In line with this year’s anniversary theme, ‘Central Kalimantan, the Future of Indonesia,’ we aim to demonstrate that environmental preservation and wildlife protection are integral to the greater vision of sustainable development. We fully support these conservation initiatives and invite all sectors of society to actively participate in protecting our environment.”
HEAD OF CENTRAL KALIMANTAN BKSDA, ANDI MUHAMMAD KADHAFI, S.HUT., M.SI., stated, “Each orangutan release represents our firm commitment to restoring ecological balance. This is not merely a routine conservation program, but a moral, ecological, and constitutional responsibility to protect Indonesia’s biodiversity. These releases are a vital part of inclusive, sustainable national development, where wildlife preservation and habitat recovery must be strengthened alongside community welfare and ecosystem resilience.
This moment is especially meaningful as it coincides with National Awakening Day and the upcoming 68th Anniversary of Central Kalimantan Province. It reminds us that building the nation’s future also means cultivating collective awareness to restore and protect the environment. Conservation must be embedded within Indonesia’s broader development vision, because to care for nature is to secure our future.”
HEAD OF BUKIT BAKA BUKIT RAYA NATIONAL PARK, PERSADA AGUSSETIA SITEPU, S.HUT., M.SI., added, “As custodians of conservation areas, we are fully committed to maintaining the integrity of forest ecosystems and ensuring that wildlife like orangutans can thrive freely in their natural habitats. Orangutans are a keystone species, playing a crucial role in maintaining the forest ecosystem of Kalimantan. Conservation areas like Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park are among the last strongholds we must protect through collaboration. This release is part of a long-term ecological recovery process and a reminder that conservation areas are not only homes for wildlife but also spaces for learning and reflection on the importance of coexisting with nature. It is a legacy we must safeguard for future generations.”
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOS FOUNDATION, DR. IR. JAMARTIN SIHITE, MSC., also shared, “Orangutan conservation is not only about saving a species, but about restoring ecosystems, raising public awareness, and creating harmony between humans and nature. At the BOS Foundation, we carry out this mandate through collaborative work with stakeholders, government, conservation partners, businesses, and the global community. This release is a tangible result of that synergy, not only returning five orangutans to the wild but also strengthening our collective spirit to preserve Indonesia’s biodiversity. The timing of this release, coinciding with National Awakening Day and the anniversary of Central Kalimantan Province, reflects the idea that national revival cannot be separated from ecological revival. Indonesia’s future depends greatly on how well we care for our forests and the life within them.”
The BOS Foundation expresses its deepest appreciation to all partners, including BOS Australia, BOS Germany, BOS New Zealand, BOS Switzerland, BOS UK, BOS USA, BOS France, BOS Japan, Save the Orangutan, and global supporters such as Orangutan Outreach, whose generous contributions have sustained orangutan conservation efforts in Indonesia. We also extend our gratitude to business supporters such as PT Sawit Sumbermas Sarana (SSMS), Aalborg Zoo, and individual donors from around the world whose generosity makes ongoing orangutan protection and habitat conservation possible.
Text by: Communication Team, BOS Foundation Headquarters, Bogor, West Java
