The Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia, the Central Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park (TNBBBR), and the Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation, together with national and international partners, have once again released five orangutans into their natural habitat in the Tumbang Hiran Resort area, Kasongan Management Section II, Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park, Central Kalimantan. This marks the 47th orangutan release from the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
The five orangutans, three females and two males, have successfully completed extensive rehabilitation at Nyaru Menteng and have been assessed as ready to live independently in the wild. This release forms part of ongoing efforts to restore wild orangutan populations while safeguarding Indonesia’s tropical rainforest ecosystems through collaborative conservation initiatives.
Each orangutan carries a unique story of resilience and recovery. One of them is Himba, a 15-year-old male who was rescued as an infant after suffering severe burns during a forest fire. After 14 years of rehabilitation, Himba has developed into a resilient individual with strong foraging skills and a natural curiosity for exploring his environment. Another is Lykke, a 23-year-old female who arrived at Nyaru Menteng with her mother when she was approximately one month old. Following nearly 22 years of rehabilitation, Lykke has become an independent orangutan who spends most of her time in the forest canopy. Meanwhile, Farida, a 19-year-old female from Tumbang Samba, has demonstrated exceptional adaptability and strong exploratory behaviour during her pre-release stage. Together with Nett and Semeru, they are now embarking on a new journey toward freedom in the forests of Kalimantan.
DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION AREAS, DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECOSYSTEM CONSERVATION (KSDAE), MINISTRY OF FORESTRY, SAPTO AJI PRABOWO, S.Hut., M.Si., stated: “The release of orangutans into Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park represents an important component of broader efforts to restore ecosystems and strengthen the role of conservation areas as natural habitats for wildlife, including endangered species. The success of this release demonstrates that strong collaboration among government agencies, conservation organizations, development partners, and local communities can make a tangible contribution to restoring wild orangutan populations. Conservation areas play a strategic role in ensuring that rehabilitated wildlife can return to their natural habitats and resume their ecological functions in a safe and suitable environment. Therefore, habitat protection, effective management of conservation areas, and post-release monitoring are integral parts of long-term conservation efforts. We extend our appreciation to all parties who have supported the rehabilitation and release process of these orangutans. This milestone serves as a reminder that the success of conservation is measured not only by the number of individuals returned to the wild, but also by our collective ability to safeguard forest ecosystems for future generations.”
HEAD OF THE CENTRAL KALIMANTAN NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION AGENCY (BKSDA), ANDI MUHAMMAD KADHAFI, S.Hut., M.Si., also stated: “Every orangutan release is part of a collective effort to restore ecosystem balance and ensure the conservation of Indonesia’s rich biodiversity. This release marks the 47th collaboration with the BOS Foundation in Central Kalimantan. We appreciate the continued partnership in supporting orangutan conservation and habitat protection, enabling these efforts to continue sustainably.”
HEAD OF BUKIT BAKA BUKIT RAYA NATIONAL PARK (TNBBBR), MOCHAMAD SATORI, S.Hut., M.Si., added: “Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park serves as one of the most important strongholds for orangutans in the wild. The five orangutans released today will become part of a forest ecosystem that we are committed to protecting together. Their presence plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of tropical forests, which is why strengthening the protection of conservation areas through cross-sector collaboration and community support remains essential.”
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOS FOUNDATION, DR. IR. JAMARTIN SIHITE, MSc., also said: “Every orangutan returning to the forest carries a story of perseverance. Himba, Lykke, Farida, Nett, and Semeru have spent years in rehabilitation, relearning the skills they need to thrive as wild orangutans. This release is not merely the end of their rehabilitation journey, but the beginning of a new life in the wild. For us, this success is a reminder that through patience, science, and strong collaboration, we still have hope for securing the future of orangutans and Indonesia’s forests.”
The BOS Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to all our partners, including BOS Australia, BOS Germany, BOS New Zealand, BOS Switzerland, BOS United Kingdom, BOS USA, BOS France, BOS Japan, and Save the Orangutan, as well as supporters around the world such as Orangutan Outreach, for their invaluable contributions to orangutan conservation in Indonesia. We also thank our individual donors worldwide, whose generosity makes it possible to continue protecting orangutans and preserving their habitat.
Watch the release below.
Text by: Communications Team
