Indonesia Seeks Repatriation of Baby Orangutans Found in India

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is moving swiftly to secure the return of five baby orangutans discovered in Odisha, India, highlighting concerns over cross‑border wildlife trafficking.

According to a press release issued by the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry on Thursday, September 10, 2026, the young orangutans -- estimated to be between 12 and 18 months old -- were found by local forestry officials in Balasore District on September 8, 2026. They are currently receiving care at Nandankan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar.

Preliminary observations suggest the animals originated from Sumatra, though officials stress that DNA testing is needed to confirm their species and genetic origin. Orangutans are not native to India, with natural habitats limited to Indonesia and Malaysia, raising strong suspicions of illegal trafficking.

The ministry has coordinated with India’s CITES Management Authority, the Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi, the Indian Embassy in Jakarta, and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to ensure proper handling and repatriation.

Conservation partners such as the Leuser Ecosystem Foundation (YEL), Jaringan Satwa Indonesia (JSI), Center for Orangutan Protection (COP), and Forum Orangutan Indonesia (FORINA) have pledged support for rehabilitation once the animals return.

Officials emphasize that the repatriation process will follow strict conservation protocols, including health checks, quarantine, genetic identification, behavioral assessment, and rehabilitation. If suitable, the orangutans may eventually be released back into their natural habitat.

The ministry underscored that the welfare of the animals is the top priority and stressed the need for international cooperation. Wildlife trafficking, it noted, is a transnational crime requiring joint enforcement and conservation efforts.

Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to working with global partners, CITES, law enforcement agencies, and conservation organizations to combat illegal wildlife trade and protect orangutans as part of the nation’s biodiversity heritage. ***