Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni inaugurated and inspected the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Rehabilitation and Conservation Area in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, on Thursday (March 20, 2025). During the visit, the Minister also accompanied orangutans to their “forest school.”
The agenda included an inspection of the orangutans in the Salat Island Cluster, Pilang Village, and the inauguration of the Forest School facility at New Nyaru Menteng.
The inauguration was marked by the signing of a commemorative plaque and a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Minister of Forestry, the Deputy Governor of Central Kalimantan, Edy Pratowo, and the CEO of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF), Jamartin Sihite.
Minister Raja Juli Antoni expressed his appreciation for the collaboration between the government, local communities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like BOSF, which has been crucial to the success of orangutan conservation and rehabilitation efforts in Central Kalimantan.
“The efforts made by BOSF and several NGOs are truly remarkable. I am deeply moved by the dedication of a group of people who devote themselves to the well-being of forests and biodiversity, especially orangutans,” said the Minister.
He further emphasized that such initiatives inspire greater commitment to protecting nature and ensuring forest sustainability so that orangutans and other wildlife can thrive in their natural habitat.
“Development must continue, forests must remain sustainable, and people’s welfare must be ensured. We must manage these three elements in a way that ensures economic prosperity without harming orangutans or disrupting development,” he added.
On this occasion, Central Kalimantan Deputy Governor Edy Pratowo also praised BOSF for its consistent efforts in the region. Since 1999, BOSF has established the Nyaru Menteng Rehabilitation Center to rehabilitate orangutans and has also developed the Nyaru Menteng Berkah Urban Forest Conservation Education Center.
