Forestry Ministry Confirms Orangutan Sempurna Died, Smoke Exposure Suspected

Sempurna, a Bornean orangutan found struggling to breathe in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, died despite an urgent rescue effort by conservation officials and animal welfare workers. Authorities suspect exposure to smoke contributed to the death.

The West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency, known as BKSDA, and International Animal Rescue Indonesia began the rescue after residents reported the animal on Aug. 30, 2026. Sempurna was found in Dusun Sempurna, Kuala Satong village, in North Matan Hilir district. Officials said the orangutan appeared extremely weak and had serious breathing difficulties.

The report reached authorities at about 7 a.m. The rescue team administered oxygen therapy and intravenous fluids before taking Sempurna to the YIARI rehabilitation center at around 11:30 a.m. The animal’s condition continued to worsen. By about 2 p.m., its breathing had become shallow and its oxygen saturation could no longer be detected. The team performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation after Sempurna showed signs of respiratory arrest, but the orangutan died at 3:20 p.m.

A necropsy conducted on Sept. 1 found pathological changes in several organs, particularly the lungs, heart and kidneys. Based on Sempurna’s clinical history and the examination, officials said the lung damage was suspected to be linked to smoke exposure. They said the condition could have impaired lung function, caused acute hypoxia and affected the cardiovascular system.

BKSDA chief Murlan Dameria Pane expressed regret that Sempurna could not be saved and praised the residents who reported the animal. He said public information can speed up emergency assistance for wildlife that is sick, injured or affected by forest and land fires.

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We deeply regret that Sempurna could not be saved. After receiving the report from the public, the West Kalimantan BKSDA team and YIARI immediately carried out the evacuation and provided medical treatment according to the animal’s condition. Further examinations were also conducted to determine its health and the factors suspected of contributing to its death.