Antara News·Indonesia·Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 02:20 AM

BOSF calls for stronger protection of orangutan habitats

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Tri MA, Rahmad Nasution

This should be a concern for the president and vice president

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) CEO Jamartin Sihite has urged stronger protection of orangutan habitats and other wildlife amid threats from forest and land fires.

"If orangutans are affected, imagine the impact on other wildlife in the forest. This should be a concern for the president and vice president," Sihite was quoted as saying in Jakarta on Monday.

He made the remarks following Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka's visit to an orangutan rehabilitation center in Central Kalimantan.

Sihite said the government's focus on conservation should be accompanied by efforts to protect forests that serve as habitats for orangutans and other wildlife.

Orangutans affected by wildfire smoke illustrate the broader impact on wildlife in forest areas, he added, urging the government to protect remaining habitats from conversion to other uses.

He also called for stronger protection of forested areas that can still legally be converted under spatial plans if they are proven to be wildlife habitats.

The government's attention to conservation has improved, he said, although more efforts are needed.

"We believe things are better now than before, but they must be improved further," Sihite said.

Gibran previously visited an orangutan rehabilitation center in Central Kalimantan and saw firsthand the condition of orangutans affected by smoke. Sihite welcomed the visit.

"We believe seeing is believing. He saw our colleagues caring for orangutans and how we look after them despite the smoke," he noted.

During the visit, Gibran also saw sick orangutans requiring nebulizer treatment. BOSF said the Forestry Ministry had provided nebulizers, oxygen equipment and firefighting gear. Sihite said Gibran's concern extended beyond orangutans.

"From what he saw and from our experience, he showed considerable concern for wildlife, not just orangutans," Sihite said.

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