MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The latest data from Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry reveals that the total population of the Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii) and Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis) currently stands at 12,410 individuals. The figures are based on research conducted between 2021 and 2023, consisting of 11,694 Sumatran orangutans and 716 Tapanuli orangutans.
Deputy Minister of Forestry Rohmat Marzuki presented the data during the National Seminar titled "Reflection on a Decade of Collaborative Conservation of
Sumatran Orangutans and
Tapanuli Orangutans," held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Medan.
Rohmat stated that Sumatran orangutans and Tapanuli orangutans are among Indonesia's most valuable natural treasures and play an important role in maintaining the stability of forest ecosystems. These two endemic species also serve as indicators of forest landscape health and have therefore become national priorities in biodiversity conservation efforts.
"Sumatran orangutans and Tapanuli orangutans are a special pride for Indonesia, particularly for the people of Sumatra, especially here in North Sumatra. They are not only a natural heritage but also indicators of forest ecosystem health. Therefore, they are among the species whose protection has become a national priority. Based on published data from 2021 to 2023, the population of Sumatran orangutans stands at 11,694 individuals, while Tapanuli orangutans number 716 individuals," Rohmat explained.
ORANGUTAN HABITAT PROTECTION PROGRAM: Head of North Sumatra BBKSDA Novita Kusuma Wardani explains programs to protect the habitats and populations of Sumatran and Tapanuli orangutans through collaborative conservation efforts. (PHOTO: Doc. North Sumatra Environmental and Forestry Office)
Orangutan Population Continues to Decline
Rohmat explained that the population of both orangutan species has declined by 19.5 percent compared with the latest data released in 2011.
This condition requires serious attention, particularly because the Tapanuli orangutan faces a high level of vulnerability due to changes in its forest ecosystem in the Harangan Tapanuli area, also known as the
Batang Toru ecosystem.
"When we look at the Tapanuli orangutan, we see a high level of vulnerability within the Harangan Tapanuli or Batang Toru forest ecosystem. This requires our special attention," Rohmat said.
He identified habitat fragmentation as one of the main causes behind the decline in orangutan populations. Changes in landscape structures have increasingly reduced available habitats, placing greater pressure on orangutan populations.
In addition to habitat fragmentation, natural disasters such as floods and landslides in several areas of North Sumatra, Aceh, and West Sumatra have also affected orangutan habitats.
"In the Harangan Tapanuli or
Batang Toru ecosystem, floods and landslides have occurred within orangutan habitats. This does not only affect forest areas but also other utilized lands outside forest zones," he said.
Orangutan Conservation Requires Collective Action
Rohmat emphasized that saving orangutans cannot be achieved through individual efforts or isolated programs. The protection of populations and their habitats must be secured through long-term collaboration among various stakeholders.
He explained that orangutan habitats are not exclusively located within conservation areas but also exist in areas outside officially designated forest conservation zones, known as Other Use Areas (APL).
One possible approach is the development of a management model for conservation and protection areas. This strategy aims to expand orangutan protection beyond natural habitats inside protected areas and include other regions utilized by orangutans.
"Conservation areas can exist in production forests where concessions are located, as well as in protected forests, social forestry areas, community-owned lands, and other land-use areas. These include plantation concessions and various other forms of utilization. The important thing is to encourage coexistence between humans and orangutans. Orangutans do not pose a threat to human safety. We can live together with them," Rohmat explained.
He stressed that community participation plays a crucial role in securing orangutan populations. Through proper and sustainable landscape management, humans and orangutans can coexist peacefully.
STRENGTHENING CONSERVATION EFFORTS: Chairman of Yayasan Ekosistem Leuser Kusnadi Oldani highlights the latest orangutan population data as a foundation for strengthening future conservation measures. (PHOTO: Doc. North Sumatra Environmental and Forestry Office)
North Sumatra BBKSDA Implements Conservation Programs
The Head of the North Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA), Novita Kusuma Wardani, stated that her institution has implemented various programs to protect the habitats and populations of Sumatran and Tapanuli orangutans.
The initiatives include habitat management and zoning, prevention of wildlife poaching and law enforcement, ecosystem and wildlife corridor restoration, public awareness campaigns, strengthening of local traditions, as well as monitoring, rescue, and reintroduction of orangutans.
"The plan for the next decade is based on an unwavering commitment. Saving Sumatran orangutans and Tapanuli orangutans is no longer merely a sectoral program, but a shared mission to protect our vital ecosystems," she said.
Meanwhile, Head of the North Sumatra Environmental and Forestry Agency, Heri W Marpaung, S.STP, M.AP, stated that forest areas in North Sumatra currently cover only around 1.1 million hectares.
According to Heri, the North Sumatra provincial government continues to work to preserve existing forest areas and prevent changes in their function.
"Currently, we are working to ensure that the status of these forest areas is maintained and that they are not converted for other purposes," Heri said.
Chairman of the Leuser Ecosystem Foundation (Yayasan Ekosistem Leuser/YEL), Kusnadi Oldani, praised the Ministry of Forestry for publishing the latest population data on Sumatran and Tapanuli orangutans over the past decade.
According to Kusnadi, the data serves not only as documentation of previous conservation efforts but also as an important foundation for strengthening commitments and developing strategic measures for the next decade of orangutan conservation.
"It is a great honor to be part of the journey of orangutan conservation in Sumatra," he said. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala