Balitek KSDA (Kenangan, 10/01/18) Contributing to the wildlife conservation, Arsari Djojohadikusumo Foundation (YAD) is constructing a sanctuary for Orang Utan that cannot be reintroduced into the wild. Two sites has been selected; Benawa Island and the concession area of PT. ITCI Kartika Utama KM 41 as stated by YAD representative, Anton Lukman, over a discussion for Nature and Wildlife Conservation on December 19-20, 2017 at PT ITCI Kartika Utama. 

The discussion is opened by East Kalimantan BKSDA Head, Ir. Sunandar and is attended by life-long orang utan conservationist; Dr. Sri Suci Utami Atmoko (UNAS), Dr. Aldrianto (BOS-F/FORINA), Dr. Rondang Siregar (UI), Dr. Yaya Riyadin (Univ. Mulawarman), Dr. Signe Preuschoft (Jejak Pulang Foundation), Hardi Baktiantoro (COP), Mapasalle dan Hamsuri (Forum Peduli Teluk Balikpapan). 

Resource persons from the national government also attended; Desi Satya (KKH), BP2TKSDA Head, Penajam Paser Utara District Enviromental Agency, Lurah Maridan, Village Heads of Telemow, Binuang, and Maridan Customary Head. 

On Day 1, participants received a field briefing from Dr. Ishak Yassir, BP2TKSDA Samboja researcher, over the two sites marked for sanctuary. From the field visit, it is expected that the participants, especially orang utan conservation experts, can provide assessment and advices. 

On Day 2, Drh. Amir Ma’ruf M. Hum. presented the community perception study on the orang utan sanctuary development plan at Benawa Island, showing that in general, people from Kelurahan Maridan; Kelurahan Pemaluan; Telemow Village; Binuang Village, and Pantai Lango Village, approved the plan. They also expected that the plan can be synergized with ecotourism activities to improve the livelihood of the surrounding communities. 

“A roadmap/ annual work plan is required to build Orang Utan sanctuary. Balitek (BP2TKSDA) and YAD can support each other in wildlife conservation, especially Orang Utan, at PT ITCIKU location as it is close to Balitek KSDA in Samboja,” said Ahmad Gadang Pamungkas, BP2TKSDA Head, to support the initiative. 

Experts such as Dr. Aldrianto and Dr. Sri Suci Atmoko appreciated the initiative from YAD and PT. ITCIKU to build a sanctuary for orang utan that cannot be reintroduced into their natural habtat. Both experts suggested that further study is needed for both locations to learn about the vegetations, tides on benawa Island, and behavioral study of the orang utan to be placed on the sanctuary.***ULFA&IKE