InfoSAWIT, KUTAI TIMUR — On the morning of April 23, 2025, a historic moment for orangutan conservation in Indonesia unfolded as six orangutans—five of whom were released and one reintroduced after rehabilitation—returned to their natural habitat. This release was conducted by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), the East Kalimantan KSDA Office, and the BOS Foundation, with support from Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (RAPP), in the operational area of PT Restorasi Habitat Orangutan Indonesia (PT RHOI), Kutai Timur Regency.
However, this story is not just about the release of wildlife; it is a narrative of hope, dedication, and inter-agency collaboration for the survival of one of the planet's most iconic species.
From Samboja Lestari to the Forest
The journey began the day before, on April 22, 2025. At the Samboja Lestari Rehabilitation Center, the medical team worked meticulously. The six orangutans were carefully sedated and transferred one by one into transport cages. The welfare of the animals was prioritized, as they would embark on a long land journey to their new forest home.
In an official statement reported by InfoSAWIT on Tuesday (May 13, 2025), Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni symbolically released the relocation team that afternoon. The group then commenced a 12-hour journey to Muara Wahau, stopping every two hours to check on the animals, providing fresh fruit and water to ensure their comfort.
Arriving in the early hours, the team took a brief rest before proceeding to the river dock. Here, the cages were equipped with floats, and a boat transported them across the river to the release point in the forest—a process that took only five minutes but was still nerve-wracking.
In the heart of the jungle, one by one, the cage doors were opened. Mori was the first to emerge. She had previously been released in 2019 but had to return to the rehabilitation center due to illness. Now, fully recovered and strong, Mori was back in the wild. Shortly after, Bugis followed her, and the two were even seen mating, signaling that their adaptation was going well.
Mikhayla, whose story has touched many hearts, was also released. She had been found in a mining area in poor condition. Minister Raja Juli Antoni himself opened her cage. As soon as the door was ajar, Mikhayla leaped out and quickly climbed a tree.
Siti and Uli followed, each displaying different personalities. Siti dashed out energetically, while Uli took a more cautious approach, exploring her new surroundings. Lastly, Sie-Sie, an adult male with distinctive cheek pads, showed some aggression upon release—a natural reaction to the stress of the long journey. Fortunately, the release proceeded safely.
That afternoon, at Camp Nles Mamse, the entire team gathered for an evaluation. Every stage—from departure to release—was reviewed. Serious discussions took place, addressing field challenges and recommendations for future releases.
This is where the crucial role of the Post-Release Monitoring Team (PRM) begins. For the next month, they will track the movements of the six orangutans, ensuring their adaptation is successful before they venture deeper into the forest.
This release is not just a technical success; it serves as a powerful reminder that hard work, collaboration, and determination are key to saving this endangered species from extinction. The stories of Mori, Bugis, Mikhayla, Siti, Uli, and Sie-Sie are now part of a long narrative of efforts to save orangutans. Under the canopy of Kehje Sewen Forest, hope continues to grow—in every step, in each grasp of a branch, in the freedom they have just regained. (T2)
