VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOInews, Jakarta: The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Indonesia in protecting orangutans through collaborative partnerships. This pledge was conveyed by Jeff Cohen, USAID Indonesia Mission Director, during his address at the Orangutan Symposium and Workshop: Advancing Orangutan Conservation Efforts in Indonesia, held in Jakarta on 12 December 2024. “The United States is committed to protecting Indonesia’s orangutans through strong partnerships,” stated Cohen.

Through USAID, the United States has partnered with Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry to host the "Orangutan Symposium" in Jakarta, aimed at advancing conservation efforts for orangutans and their habitats. The event brought together stakeholders from public and private sectors, academia, and conservation organisations to formulate concrete strategies for safeguarding this iconic species of Indonesia.

Since 2001, the US has invested over USD 50 million in efforts to protect orangutans and their habitats. This collaboration has resulted in the preservation of approximately 6.5 million hectares of Indonesian tropical forest habitat. Beyond conservation, this investment aligns with the FOLU Net Sink 2030 Operational Plan, a key priority of the Indonesian government in mitigating climate change.

Indonesia is home to three endemic and critically endangered orangutan species: the Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii), Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis), and Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus), with an estimated combined population of about 70,000 individuals. Unfortunately, this rich biodiversity faces severe threats from deforestation, unsustainable practices, and illegal wildlife trade.

Professor Dr Satyawan Pudyatmoko, Director-General of Natural Resource and Ecosystem Conservation, highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach to preserving Indonesia’s biodiversity. “Through this symposium, we hope to identify innovative incentives to drive concrete conservation strategies,” he said.

Professor Jatna Supriatna, a conservation biologist from the University of Indonesia, emphasised the role of ecotourism as a sustainable solution to protect orangutan habitats. According to him, ecotourism not only aids conservation but also provides socio-economic benefits to local communities.

Through initiatives such as habitat surveys, preservation, and private sector investment mobilisation, USAID continues to support orangutan conservation efforts in Indonesia. This close collaboration reflects a global commitment to environmental sustainability and the protection of wildlife that plays a vital role in ecosystems.

Source: id.usembassy.gov