Indonesia Moves to Repatriate Five Orangutan Infants Found in India
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| Five orangutan infants found in Odisha, India, are receiving care at Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar. (Red/Ist) |
PEWARTA.CO.ID — Indonesia is taking steps to bring five orangutan infants found in India back to the country, while authorities work to verify their origin and investigate the possibility that they were victims of illegal wildlife trafficking.
The Ministry of Forestry said it has been coordinating with authorities in India and Indonesian institutions to ensure the animals receive proper treatment and that the repatriation process can proceed in accordance with applicable regulations.
The five orangutans were discovered by local forestry officials on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, in a forest area in Bhogarai/Udaipur Block, Jaleswar, Balasore District, Odisha. The location is near the border with West Bengal.
Five orangutans found in Odisha
Initial information indicates that the orangutans are approximately 1 to 1.5 years old and were found in healthy condition.
They are currently receiving care and treatment at Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar, India.
Initial observations of their physical characteristics and morphology suggest that the five animals may have originated from Sumatra.
However, the Indonesian government stressed that the assessment is preliminary. Their species and genetic origin will be established through DNA testing conducted by authorized scientific authorities.
Orangutans are not native to India, with their natural habitat limited to Indonesia and Malaysia, particularly the islands of Sumatra and Borneo.
Their presence in India has therefore raised strong suspicions that the animals could be victims of illegal wildlife trafficking and smuggling involving a transnational network.
Indonesia coordinates repatriation efforts
The Ministry of Forestry has begun coordinating with several authorities and institutions to support the handling and possible return of the five orangutans.
These include India's CITES Management Authority, the Embassy of India in Jakarta, the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in New Delhi, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) as the Scientific Authority, and the Ministry of Agriculture.
The coordination is intended to ensure that the process complies with Indonesian law and international mechanisms, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Indonesia has also contacted conservation partners experienced in orangutan rescue, rehabilitation, and release, including the Leuser Ecosystem Foundation (YEL), Indonesian Animal Network (JSI), Center for Orangutan Protection (COP), and Indonesian Orangutan Forum (FORINA).
The organizations have expressed their readiness to support the Ministry of Forestry with the repatriation process and the subsequent care and rehabilitation of the animals if they are returned to Indonesia.
Rehabilitation planned after repatriation
If the repatriation is completed, the five orangutans will undergo conservation procedures based on their individual conditions.
These procedures will include health examinations, quarantine, genetic identification, behavioral assessments, and rehabilitation.
If they meet the necessary requirements, the orangutans may subsequently enter rehabilitation stages aimed at preparing them for possible release into their natural habitat.
The Ministry of Forestry said the safety and welfare of the five orangutan infants remain the priority, while the government seeks to ensure their return is handled carefully and in accordance with applicable rules.
The case also highlights the cross-border nature of wildlife trafficking, which requires cooperation between countries to address effectively.
Indonesia said it will continue working with other countries, CITES, law enforcement agencies, scientific authorities, and conservation organizations to combat illegal wildlife trade and facilitate the return of Indonesian wildlife found overseas.
The Ministry of Forestry will continue monitoring the case and take necessary measures to establish the animals' origins and investigate the possible illegal trafficking network involved.
