We would like to share the latest developments regarding the forest and land fire situation across BOSF’s areas of operation in Central and East Kalimantan, as of 28 September 2026
Breaking Rescue News
On September 26th, BOS Foundation, together with BKSDA Central Kalimantan, successfully rescued a female orangutan estimated to be 3–4 years old from an area affected by ongoing forest and land fires. Her exact age is still being verified.
The orangutan was found in a very concerning physical condition, with burn injuries on all four palms, both hands, and both feet. Based on the team’s initial field assessment, the injuries may have occurred when she moved across smoldering ground or burning vegetation before slowly climbing into a tree. The veterinary team will further evaluate this assessment.
The rescue operation took two days because the area where the orangutan was located was surrounded by active fire, making access and evacuation particularly challenging. The team worked carefully to reach her and evacuate her safely while managing the risks posed by the surrounding fire.
She is now under the care of the BOSF team, and her condition will be closely monitored. We will share further information on her medical condition and treatment once the veterinary assessment is complete.
Current Fire Preparedness Status
BOSF continues to maintain increased monitoring and preparedness measures across its operational areas. Our current preparedness levels are as follows:
1. RHOI – Green Zone
2. Samboja Lestari – Yellow Zone
3. Nyaru Menteng – Green Zone
4. Sebangau – Green Zone
5. Mawas – Red Zone
Forest and land fires have continued to spread in Mawas. As of 28 September, the total area affected by fire is estimated at approximately 327.8 hectares, an increase of approximately 156.3 hectares over the past week. The attached map shows the affected areas. Firefighting efforts are still ongoing in Tuanan Village, including the area within the PT HIKAL concession, as well as in SP2 Mantangai Hilir Village. The Mawas team is working alongside local communities and BKSDA to support the firefighting efforts.
On 26 September, as mentioned in our previous update, BOSF, together with BKSDA Central Kalimantan and the Indonesian Army (TNI AD), rescued a female orangutan from a forest and land fire in Katune Village, Banturung Sub-district, Central Kalimantan. She was named Novita and is currently receiving care and medical monitoring at Nyaru Menteng.
Continued Fire Preparedness at BOSF Operational Sites
Air quality monitoring has begun at Nyaru Menteng, Mawas, Sebangau, Samboja Lestari, and Kehje Sewen, including at Forest Schools, orangutan enclosures, offices, and other relevant locations. Please see the attached materials for examples of the monitoring.
At Nyaru Menteng, trials of sprinkler systems for individual orangutan enclosures are underway, with several adjustments being made to improve their effectiveness.
As air quality at the Forest School has deteriorated, Groups 3 and 4 are alternating between the playground and Forest School based on the air quality readings taken inside the Forest School. When air quality is relatively better, the orangutans are taken to the Forest School; when conditions are less favorable, they remain in the playground and alternate their outdoor activities. We provide additional water through drinking water, food, and sprinkler-based wetting activities. Conditions for the infant group remain manageable, as smoke levels around their Forest School area are currently less dense.
The BOSF Fire Task Force continues to conduct regular inspections along the boundaries of our working areas, including at night, to identify and respond to potential fire activity early. Teams are also conducting wetting activities around bore wells and other strategic areas as part of our fire prevention and preparedness measures.
At Nyaru Menteng, the team also supported BKSDA in firefighting activities in Tuwung Village on 21–22 September, and at SMP 13 Tangkiling on 23 September. On 25–26 September, the team carried out firefighting and orangutan rescue operations in Katune, where Novita was rescued from the fire.
One of the main challenges at present is the decreasing availability of water due to the prolonged dry season and the absence of significant rainfall. Installing additional bore wells is therefore becoming one of our current priorities to ensure sufficient water resources are available for fire prevention and response.
Islands Update: Kaja, Bangamat, Salat, and Samboja Lestari Islands
At the Kaja and Bangamat pre-release islands, no orangutans have been moved to the Nyaru Menteng facilities. However, because water levels have receded significantly, some orangutans have been moved from parts of the islands where water has become very limited to areas where water remains available.
Teams continue to monitor and guard 12 areas where water levels have significantly receded. The island technical team is carrying out this work, supported by the enrichment team and security personnel.
At Samboja Lestari, water levels around the islands have also receded due to prolonged dry conditions and a lack of rainfall. Lesley, who was previously on Island 12B, has been moved to Island 0 with Bujang after she began attempting to leave the island by crossing the receding water. Jeffrey, who was previously housed with Lesley on Island 12B, remains on the island. The temporary relocation was carried out as a precaution to ensure their safety and reduce the risk of the orangutans leaving the islands as water levels continue to fall.
Orangutan Respiratory Health Monitoring
As of 28 September, 45 orangutans are currently being monitored for respiratory symptoms consistent with acute respiratory infection (ARI/ISPA).
The Animal Welfare and Veterinary teams are closely monitoring the affected individuals. We provide supportive treatment and care as appropriate, including vitamin C, honey, onion juice, and fluid therapy, depending on each individual’s condition.
Health monitoring remains an important part of BOSF’s preparedness, particularly given the prolonged dry conditions and potential exposure to smoke and other environmental factors associated with the ongoing fires.
Help support BOSF’s efforts during this time by making a donation. Your help is truly appreciated.
Text by: BOSF Communications Team
Will you help us rescue, rehabilitate, and release orangutans back to freedom? Thank you!
