Enviro News Asia, Bogor – Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni released two crested serpent eagles (Spilornis cheela) into the wild at Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park (TNGGP) on Saturday, February 9, 2025. The release took place at the Mandalawangi Camping Ground in Cibodas. Minister Antoni was accompanied by Deputy Minister of State Secretariat Juri Ardiantoro, Deputy Minister of Forestry Sulaiman Umar, and other officials from the Ministry of Forestry.
“Conservation is not just the government’s responsibility but a shared duty for all of us. I extend my gratitude to everyone who has contributed to protecting wildlife and preserving nature. Let’s continue to safeguard our ecosystem for a greener future,” said Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni.
The crested serpent eagle is a bird of prey species listed as a protected animal under Law No. 5 of 1990 on the Conservation of Living Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems. This species can be found across various islands in Indonesia and is characterized by its black short crest and crown. The bird weighs between 0.4 to 1.8 kg, with a body length of 55 to 76 cm, and has a lifespan of up to 40 years.
Before being released, the two eagles underwent rehabilitation. One of them was voluntarily surrendered by a local resident and cared for by the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (KSDA) Region II Soreang before being transferred to the Kamojang Eagle Conservation Center (PKEK). The other eagle was rescued from the wild and later taken to PKEK for rehabilitation.
“One was handed over by the community, while the other was found in the wild. After receiving care, they are now being released,” said Minister Antoni. Prior to their release, both eagles underwent a rehabilitation process, including health examinations and recovery treatments with vitamin and nutrient supplementation.
On the same occasion, Minister Antoni also planted manglid tree saplings as part of a reforestation effort in Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park.
