Orangutan dies after suspected smoke exposure in West Kalimantan

An adult male orangutan named Sempurna has died after being found severely weakened and suffering from breathing difficulties in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan province, Indonesia.

The West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) confirmed Sempurna's death on 30 August 2026, following a rescue operation carried out with the International Animal Rescue Indonesia Foundation (YIARI), a conservation organisation involved in the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife.

Sempurna was found in Sempurna Hamlet, Kuala Satong Village, in Matan Hilir Utara District, Ketapang Regency, on the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo.

Orangutan found in oil palm plantation

Local residents reported finding Sempurna at about 7.00am local time. A joint team from the BKSDA and YIARI was sent to the area after receiving the report.

The team found the orangutan lying in a dry ditch inside an oil palm plantation belonging to local residents. He was unable to stand, had only limited mobility and was experiencing difficulty breathing.

The rescuers provided emergency treatment at the site, including oxygen therapy and intravenous fluids. Sempurna was then transported to a YIARI rehabilitation centre at about 11.30am for further medical treatment.

His condition continued to deteriorate despite the treatment.

At about 2.00pm, his breathing became increasingly shallow and his oxygen saturation could no longer be detected. After he showed signs of respiratory arrest, the team performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Sempurna was pronounced dead at 3.20pm.

Necropsy examines suspected cause of death

A necropsy was carried out on 1 September to assess Sempurna's health condition and investigate the suspected cause of death.

The examination found pathological changes in several organs, particularly the lungs, heart and kidneys.

The lungs showed congestion and partial atelectasis, particularly in the caudoventral sections of both lung lobes. Atelectasis is a condition in which part of the lung does not fully expand.

Based on Sempurna's clinical history and the examination findings, the changes in his lungs were suspected to be associated with exposure to smoke. The exposure was considered capable of interfering with lung function and causing acute hypoxia, meaning an insufficient supply of oxygen to the body's tissues.

The condition was subsequently suspected to have contributed to impaired cardiovascular function and ultimately to Sempurna's death.

The examination and investigation were conducted to establish the animal's health condition and identify factors suspected to have contributed to his death.

Authorities thank residents for reporting orangutan

Murlan Dameria Pane, head of the West Kalimantan BKSDA, expressed condolences over Sempurna's death and thanked residents who reported the animal.

“We deeply regret that Sempurna could not be saved. After receiving the report from the public, the West Kalimantan BKSDA team, together with YIARI, immediately carried out the evacuation and provided medical treatment according to the animal's condition,” Murlan said.

“Further examinations were also conducted to determine his health condition and the factors suspected to have contributed to his death,” he added.

Murlan said reports from members of the public were an important part of wildlife rescue efforts, particularly when animals were found sick, injured or affected by forest and land fires.

“The role of the public is very important. We urge people to immediately report any wildlife they find in need of assistance so that it can be followed up promptly by officers,” he said.

West Kalimantan is home to Bornean orangutans

West Kalimantan is one of the Indonesian provinces on Borneo, an island shared by Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. The island is home to the Bornean orangutan, one of the three recognised orangutan species.

Orangutans depend heavily on forest habitats for food, shelter and movement. Borneo's forests have faced extensive pressures from land-use change, including the development of agricultural and plantation areas, while forest and land fires can also affect wildlife and their habitats.

Smoke exposure can pose a particular risk to animals during periods of fire. Wildlife found sick, injured or otherwise affected by fires may require intervention by conservation authorities and wildlife rescue organisations.

The West Kalimantan BKSDA urged members of the public not to attempt to handle or treat wildlife themselves if they encounter animals that are sick, injured or affected by forest and land fires.

Instead, people are encouraged to report such animals to the authorities so that trained personnel can assess and handle them.