RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - A fresh chapter for Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) conservation unfolded in West Kalimantan as five rehabilitated individuals were successfully released back into their natural habitat within the Betung Kerihun National Park on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

The successful 18th release phase was carried out by the Ministry of Forestry in collaboration with the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA Kalbar), the Betung Kerihun and Danau Sentarum National Park Center (BBTNBKDS), and the Sintang Orangutan Center Foundation (YPOS/SOC).

Head of BKSDA Kalbar, Murlan Dameria, said on Friday, July 3, 2026, that this milestone was the fruit of long-term consistency and dedication throughout the wildlife rehabilitation process.

“The return of these five orangutan individuals to their natural habitat in TN Betung Kerihun is not just the end of a rehabilitation period, but a new beginning for strengthening the Bornean Orangutan population in the wild,” Murlan said, as quoted by Antara.

The released group consists of one male and four females: 14-year-old Benazir, 25-year-old Jamilah alongside her 1-year-old infant Ulin, and 13-year-old Sinta with her 2-year-old infant Sabine.

The primates were declared physically and behaviorally ready for the wild after completing intensive training at the Jerora Forest School, followed by comprehensive medical checkups and a one-month pre-release quarantine.

Following their release on June 30, a dedicated monitoring team will track the orangutans intensively for three months. This post-release monitoring aims to ensure that the five Bornean orangutans can adapt smoothly, forage naturally, live independently, and survive in the wild without human dependency.

Head of BBTNBKDS, Titik Wurdiningsih, expressed hope that this release and future initiatives would safeguard the preservation of the protected species, ensuring they continue to thrive in the wild for generations to come.

“In the future, Camp Mentibat, Resor PTN Nanga Hovat, is expected to be developed as a research and education center, specifically related to orangutans. Similarly, the natural beauty leading to the release location can be developed for white-water rafting eco-tourism attractions,” Titik said. ***