TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Natural Resource Conservation Agency (BKSDA) of West Kalimantan rescued three orangutans from local people. One of the mammals was in dehydration and malnutrition condition when found.
“The orangutans were confiscated from resident in Simpang Dua, Ketapang Regency,” said Head of Forest Ranger Unit of West Kalimantan, Azmardi Kamil on Thursday, April 30.
In collaboration with a team of International Animal Rescue of Ketapang Regency, the rescue attempt was performed using persuasive method. The information about the orang utan location was also rendered from reports by surrounding report.
Head of West Kalimantan BKSDA, Sustyo Iriyono said people’s involvement in maintaining protected rare animals are exhilarating.
“People’s awareness in getting involved in protecting ecosystem really affects the sustainabiility of the ecosystem,” Sustyo said.
The West Kalimantan BKSDA had previously rescued another orang utan that was held at a house of Kubu Raya Regency resident. The orang utan, named Mery, had been transferred to IAR Foundation for rehabilitation.
Sustyo reminded that orang utan is protected under the law no. 5/1990 article 21. Under this law, people who capture, injure, kill, keep, possess, keep as pet, and trade protected animals is liable to 5-year imprisonment and penalty of Rp100,000,000.00 at the maximum.
ASEANTY PAHLEVI
