Kalimantan's Orangutans in Crisis: Habitat Loss and Rescue Efforts Amid Forest Fires

Orangutans in Kalimantan are facing a dire situation as rampant forest fires and land clearing push them out of their natural habitats. Recent reports indicate that the fires are not only destroying their homes but also leading to tragic casualties among this endangered species.

On October 10, a dead orangutan was discovered floating in the Kumai River, Central Kalimantan, near the Tanjung Puting National Park, an area currently engulfed in flames due to ongoing forest fires, according to Antara. This incident underscores the critical state of orangutans, which are already classified as 'critically endangered' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

“Muriansyah explained that orangutans, when faced with fires, will move to better places and that the orangutan was suspected to be looking for food and was spotted by residents who reported it to the BKSDA.”Muriansyah, Commander of BKSDA Sampit

In a separate incident, on October 14, the Central Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) collaborated with the Yayasan Orangutan Foundation International (OFI) and the Animal Rescue Community to evacuate a female orangutan from a recently burned area in Kotawaringin Timur. This rescue is part of a broader effort, with the Ministry of Forestry reporting that by October 8, 290 wildlife individuals affected by forest fires have been handled, including 96 orangutans.

Muriansyah, the commander of BKSDA's Sampit post, explained that the orangutan was likely searching for food after its habitat was compromised by the fires. He said that orangutans, when faced with fires, will move to better places and that the orangutan was suspected to be looking for food and was spotted by residents who reported it to the BKSDA.

In another alarming discovery, a skull believed to belong to an orangutan was found on October 8 in a high conservation value area within a palm oil plantation owned by PT KAL in Ketapang, West Kalimantan. The Ministry of Forestry has initiated an investigation into this incident, involving multiple agencies including the Kalimantan Law Enforcement Agency and veterinary teams.

“Silverius Oscar Unggul said that the fires not only destroy orangutan habitats but also create a cycle of conflict that burdens both communities and the government.”Silverius Oscar Unggul, Chairman of Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia

According to the Geopix report titled “Alert! Borneo is a Sea of Fire,” from June to September 5, 2026, there were 124,655 hotspots detected in Kalimantan, with approximately 88.6% located within orangutan habitats. This alarming statistic highlights the significant threat posed by forest fires to orangutan populations.

Silverius Oscar Unggul, Chairman of the Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI), said that the fires not only destroy orangutan habitats but also create a cycle of conflict that burdens both communities and the government. He explained that when forests burn, orangutans lose their food and shelter, which drives them into local farms, leading to economic losses for residents.

“Dwi Januanto Nugroho stated that investigations and scientific examinations are being allowed to uncover the facts objectively, and if violations are found, the state will take legal action based on the evidence.”Dwi Januanto Nugroho, Director General of Law Enforcement, Ministry of Forestry

As the situation escalates, the Indonesian government is under pressure to enhance conservation measures. Dwi Januanto Nugroho, Director General of Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Forestry, stated that businesses operating near wildlife habitats are responsible for protecting biodiversity. He said that investigations and scientific examinations are being allowed to uncover the facts objectively, and if violations are found, the state will take legal action based on the evidence.

The plight of orangutans in Kalimantan reflects broader environmental challenges in Indonesia, where deforestation driven by agriculture, particularly palm oil production, has led to a dramatic decline in orangutan populations. The population is estimated at around 57,350 individuals, down from an estimated 288,500 in 1973, indicating a significant decline over the decades.