KBRN, Bangkok: Indonesia and Thailand reaffirmed their commitment to biodiversity protection with the repatriation of four orangutans from Thailand to Indonesia on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.

The orangutans, named Bow, Noon, Jay, and Raiking (Tua Yai), were flown home as part of a long-standing conservation partnership between the two countries.

The repatriation marks a significant milestone in wildlife conservation cooperation and coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Thailand. The two nations recently upgraded their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership.

“This repatriation is not only the return of orangutans to their homeland, but also a reflection of the strong friendship between Indonesia and Thailand. It demonstrates our shared commitment to strengthening efforts to prevent illegal wildlife trade at its source,” said Indonesian Ambassador to Thailand Rachmat Budiman.

Upon arrival in Indonesia, the four orangutans will undergo rehabilitation at the Sumatran Rescue Alliance Orangutan Rehabilitation and Rescue Center in North Sumatra before being released into the wild.

Under Indonesian government policy, orangutans can be released only after reaching at least six years of age and being deemed capable of living independently.

Indonesia–Thailand conservation cooperation has been consistently maintained for nearly two decades. Since 2006, Thailand has facilitated the repatriation of 78 orangutans to Indonesia, most of which were successfully rehabilitated and released.

Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the collaboration continued, with the repatriation of Ung Aing, Natalie, and Giant in 2020, followed by Nobita, Shisuka, and Brian in 2023.

The latest repatriation reflects close inter-agency coordination and received special attention from Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. It also follows commitments made at the Indonesia–Thailand Joint Commission Meeting in May 2025 and the Indonesia–Thailand Security Dialogue in July 2025.

The Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok expressed appreciation to all parties involved, including the Thai Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Customs, the Royal Thai Police, the Khao Pratubchang Wildlife Rescue Center, and THAI Cargo.

The ambassador also thanked Indonesian partners, including the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the Sumatran Rescue Alliance, the Center for Orangutan Protection, and Garuda Indonesia.

Bow, Noon, Jay, and Raiking will now receive professional care at the rehabilitation center in North Sumatra. Authorities hope all four will grow up healthy and eventually return to their natural habitat. (Misni Parjiati/Lasti Martina)