RRI.CO.ID, Pontiamak - The West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), in collaboration with the Indonesian Rehabilitation Nature Initiative Foundation (YIARI), has successfully translocated a male orangutan from a residential plantation in North Kayong Regency to the safety of Gunung Palung National Park, on Sunday, April 26, 2026, aimed to mitigate escalating human-wildlife conflict in the region.

The rescue team, which included personnel from the Gunung Palung National Park Authority, the Indonesian Military (TNI), the National Police, and local community members, moved in after residents of Pemangkat Village reported that the primate had begun nesting in their gardens over the past week.

Assistant Manager of the Orangutan Protection Unit at YIARI, Muhadi, said that while translocation is considered a last resort, it was necessary to ensure the safety of both the community and the animal.

"Translocation was carried out to guarantee the safety of the orangutan while reducing potential conflict with humans. This is the final step after a comprehensive assessment process," he explained in Pontianak, as quoted by Antara.

The evacuation involved a carefully managed anesthesia process led by YIARI’s veterinary team. Rachel, a YIARI veterinarian, noted that while the orangutan bore some natural scars on his face and left arm, as well as a dental fracture, the injuries had already healed and did not pose a threat to his survival.

"In general, the orangutan's condition is healthy and eligible for translocation," she confirmed.

The journey to the release site took approximately two hours via land and water transport. Upon being released into the deeper reaches of Gunung Palung National Park, an area chosen for its robust protection and abundant food supply, the orangutan immediately exhibited natural wild behavior, moving away from the team into the canopy.

Head of West Kalimantan BKSDA Murlan Dameria Pane praised the cross-sectoral synergy that made the operation a success, emphasizing that community support is vital for such conservation efforts. However, YIARI Chairperson Silverius Oscar Unggul warned that reactive measures like translocation do not address the root cause of the problem.

"Rapid changes in land use pose a major challenge for orangutans to survive. Collective commitment is needed so that humans and wildlife can coexist sustainably," Silverius remarked.

The incident highlights the ongoing pressure on natural habitats in Kalimantan, where rapid land transformation frequently forces endangered species into closer contact with human settlements. ***