Orangutan Found Collapsed by Forest Fire Smoke Dies in West Kalimantan

An orangutan named Sempurna, previously found collapsed and suffering from respiratory distress due to forest fire smoke in Ketapang, West Kalimantan, has ultimately died. The news of Sempurna's death was confirmed by the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA Kalbar). In a statement on Thursday (03/09/2026), Head of BKSDA Kalbar, Murlan Dameria Pane, expressed his condolences for Sempurna's death and appreciated the community's response in reporting the animal's presence, following rescue efforts that began on August 30, 2026. "We deeply regret that Sempurna could not be saved," he stated. Since receiving the report from the community, the BKSDA West Kalimantan team, in collaboration with Yayasan International Animal Rescue Indonesia (YIARI), immediately conducted an evacuation and provided medical treatment according to the animal's condition. Further examinations were also carried out to ascertain its health status and the factors suspected to have contributed to its death. However, its life could not be saved. Chronology of Sempurna's Discovery Murlan explained that Sempurna was discovered in a very weak state, experiencing respiratory distress in Dusun Sempurna, Desa Kuala Satong, Kecamatan Matan Hilir Utara, Ketapang Regency. Sempurna was first reported by the community around 07:00 WIB. Following up on this report, BKSDA West Kalimantan and YIARI immediately initiated rescue efforts. The team then provided first aid in the form of oxygen therapy and intravenous fluids before Sempurna was transported to the YIARI rehabilitation center around 11:30 WIB to receive further medical treatment. However, Sempurna's condition continued to decline. Around 14:00 WIB, its breathing became shallower, and its oxygen saturation was undetectable. After showing signs of respiratory arrest, the team performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Sempurna was eventually pronounced dead at 15:20 WIB. Murlan stated that a necropsy was conducted on September 1, 2026, to determine its health condition and suspected cause of death. The examination revealed pathological changes in several organs, particularly the lungs, heart, and kidneys. Based on the clinical history and examination results, the pathological changes in the lungs are suspected to be related to smoke exposure, which could impair lung function and cause acute hypoxia, or a condition of insufficient oxygen in the body. This condition is further suspected to have contributed to cardiovascular dysfunction, ultimately leading to Sempurna's death. Regarding the case, he mentioned that community reports play a vital role in wildlife rescue efforts, especially in emergency situations when animals are found sick, injured, or affected by forest and land fires. "The community's role is very important. We urge the public to report immediately if they find any wild animals in need of assistance so that it can be followed up promptly by officers," he said.