December 24, 2025 | 05:00 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry, in coordination with the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok, has repatriated four orangutans rescued from illegal wildlife trade in Thailand.
The animals arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, near Jakarta, on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at around 05:30 PM local time.
Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni expressed concern over the persistence of transnational wildlife trafficking, calling it a serious challenge that requires coordinated action across institutions.
“I am deeply saddened by the continued illegal wildlife trade. This crime demands strong cooperation among ministries and agencies to protect borders and prevent similar cases in the future,” he said in a written statement on Wednesday, December 24.
Raja Juli also drew attention to the fragile condition of Sumatra’s forests, the natural habitat of orangutans, which continue to face environmental pressures.
“Another concern is that the Sumatran forest has not yet fully recovered due to disasters and other forms of pressure,” he said.
He said the repatriation serves as a reminder for the Ministry of Forestry to strengthen conservation efforts and ensure the long-term preservation of forest ecosystems.
“This effort underscores the need to safeguard forests so orangutans can live safely in their natural habitat,” he added.
The minister said the repatriation reflects the Indonesian government’s commitment to protecting endangered wildlife.
He also acknowledged the role of Garuda Indonesia in supporting the process, describing the airline’s involvement as an example of private-sector participation in biodiversity conservation.
The official handover of the orangutans took place on December 23 at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, where the Thai government transferred custody to Indonesian authorities through the Indonesian Embassy.
During the flight, the animals were transported in special enclosures that met International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards and were accompanied by a veterinarian to monitor their condition.
According to Raja Juli, the orangutans were confiscated by Thai authorities in January and May 2025 during separate operations against illegal wildlife trafficking.
At the time of their seizure, the animals were estimated to be less than one month old and were later cared for at the Khao Pratubchang Wildlife Rescue Centre in Ratchaburi Province as part of an ongoing investigation by Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
Based on physical assessments and DNA testing, three of the orangutans were identified as Sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii), consisting of two males and one female, while the fourth was a female Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis). Officials said all four are considered suitable for rehabilitation.
The orangutans will be transferred to the Sumatran Rescue Alliance Rehabilitation Center in Besitang, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra, where they will undergo rehabilitation before eventual release into the wild. Raja Juli said the government hopes the animals can recover fully and return to Sumatra’s forests, their natural home.
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