RRI.CO.ID, East Kutai - The Indonesian government and the Center for Orangutan Protection (COP) have successfully released three orangutans into their natural habitat. The release took place in the Gunung Batu Mesangat Protected Forest, Busang District, East Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan, which is managed by the Kelinjau Forest Management Unit (KPHP).

According to a statement received by RRI VOI from the Ministry of Forestry on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, the three orangutans are named Bagus, Eboni, and Ruby. All three share a similar background: they were previously kept as pets by the community before being rescued.

Orangutan Bagus was rescued by the East Kalimantan Conservation Agency in early September 2020 in Merabu Village, Berau; orangutan Eboni was evacuated in late April 2022 in Long Beliu Village, Berau; and Ruby was evacuated in early April 2024 in Persiapan Sekurau Atas Village, East Kutai.

Before returning to the wild, these three animals underwent rehabilitation at the Borneo Orangutan Rescue Alliance (BORA). Orangutans held in human captivity for a long time often lose their wild instincts, such as climbing, foraging, and nest-building abilities.

At the rehabilitation center, they underwent a series of stages, including health checks, forest school training for basic skills, and a four-month adaptation period on a pre-release island. A total of 18 orangutans rehabilitated at BORA have been released into the Gunung Batu Mesangat Protected Forest over the past four years.

The COP monitoring team will then monitor Bagus, Eboni, and Ruby's movements for the next three months to ensure they are safe and adapting well to their new home. This initiative to strengthen the orangutan population in the wild is also part of a series of activities leading up to National Nature Conservation Day 2026, which is celebrated every August 10th.