Forestry Ministry reports 11,694 Sumatran orangutans in survey

The Ministry of Forestry has announced the results of a recent population survey indicating that there are approximately 11,694 Sumatran orangutans in the wild, alongside 716 Tapanuli orangutans. This information was disclosed by the ministry during a statement issued in Jakarta, highlighting the findings of the 2021–2023 survey. The data serves as a critical reference point for future conservation strategies aimed at protecting these critically endangered primate species. The survey revealed a continued decline in the Sumatran orangutan population since 2011, raising concerns over their long-term survival. The Tapanuli orangutan, identified as one of the rarest great apes in the world, faces even greater threats within its limited habitat, the Batang Toru landscape. These findings underscore the urgency of implementing more robust conservation measures, including enhanced habitat protection, stricter law enforcement against illegal activities, and increased collaboration across sectors. Forestry Deputy Minister Rohmat Marzuki emphasized that the success of conservation efforts hinges on collective action involving the government, academic institutions, conservation organizations, businesses, and local communities. He stated that the scientific data collected from the survey will play a pivotal role in shaping more effective policies tailored to safeguarding the species. The ministry’s strategic plan includes maintaining the ecological functions of biodiversity, improving the management of conservation areas, and strengthening governance related to biodiversity protection both within and beyond forest regions. A key component of the ongoing initiatives involves conducting a Population and Habitat Viability Assessment (PHVA). This assessment aims to evaluate the likelihood of the species' survival under current conditions and identify necessary interventions to enhance their chances of recovery. The PHVA is considered an essential element in advancing the goals of the Indonesian Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (IBSAP) 2025–2045, which positions species and biodiversity protection as a top national priority. Marzuki reiterated that population surveys and the preparation of PHVAs are fundamental to achieving the objectives set forth by the IBSAP. He called upon all stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure that conservation efforts remain systematic, adaptable, and sustainable. This approach reflects a broader commitment to addressing the complex challenges facing these primates while aligning with international standards for wildlife conservation. Recent developments have included the designation of additional land for orangutan conservation, with 87,000 hectares set aside specifically for these purposes. In another positive development, three orangutans were recently released back into the wild in the East Kutai protected forest, marking a successful rehabilitation effort. Similarly, five rehabilitated orangutans have returned to the rainforests of Kalimantan, further demonstrating progress in conservation programs aimed at reintegrating rescued individuals into their natural habitats.