Antara News·Indonesia·Friday, September 11, 2026 at 02:14 PM

East Kalimantan's wildlife agency tracks orangutan near Bengalon road

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Ahmad R, Rahmad Nasution

Samarinda, E Kalimantan (ANTARA) - East Kalimantan’s Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) is tracking an orangutan spotted near a new highway in Bengalon, Kutai Timur District, earlier this month, officials said here Friday.

BKSDA East Kalimantan Chief M. Ari Wibawanto said the tracking aims to verify conditions after a video of the protected animal drew public attention.

The BKSDA team conducted an on-site verification, examining the location from several angles and comparing its findings with the object seen in the video.

“During the search, our team found an orangutan nest in a tree near the highway. The finding will help analyze the animal’s presence and activity in the area,” Ari said.

Bengalon and surrounding areas are part of the orangutan’s natural habitat, Ari said. The endemic species may naturally move closer to public facilities when its range overlaps with areas of intense human activity.

As an education and risk-mitigation measure, BKSDA East Kalimantan urged residents and motorists to avoid interactions that could endanger orangutans or people.

“We urge people not to feed, touch, chase or approach orangutans. If one is found near the road, report it immediately so officers can monitor and handle it safely,” Ari said.

BKSDA East Kalimantan will continue monitoring orangutan movements and habitat conditions around the new Bengalon highway as part of its wildlife protection efforts, he added.

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