Kuala Kencana, April 29, 2025 – PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI), in collaboration with the Papua Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA) and the Maluku-Papua Regional Environmental and Forestry Law Enforcement and Security Center (BPPHLHK), released 22 protected endemic Papuan animals at the Memorial Park, Kuala Kencana Forest, Mimika Regency (29/04), as part of a commitment to conserving Papua’s rich biodiversity.
To ensure animal welfare and food availability—so the animals can survive, reproduce, and thrive sustainably, the release was conducted in the Kuala Kencana Forest, a location selected based on its habitat suitability and safety from human disturbances.
As part of ongoing efforts to protect endangered wildlife, the Forestry Law Enforcement Center (Gakkum) successfully secured dozens of endemic animals rescued from illegal wildlife trade. “The animals in our custody are the result of confiscation and enforcement operations by the Forestry Gakkum. We have secured a total of 74 animals, 40 of which have died, 19 are ready for release, and 15 are still undergoing treatment,” said Firman, a representative of the Forestry Gakkum.
The twenty-two protected animals released included 2 Aru parrots (Chalcopsitta scintillata), 12 Black-headed parrots (Lorius lory), 2 Rainbow parakeets (Trichoglossus haematodus), 1 Koki cockatoo (Cacatua galerita), and 2 King cockatoos (Probosciger aterrimus). In addition, animals voluntarily handed over by the community included 2 Koki cockatoos (Cacatua galerita) and 1 Dusky lory (Pseudeos fuscata).
Law enforcement is only one aspect of wildlife protection. What is even more crucial is the development of collective awareness within the community that Papua’s endemic animals play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance and are an integral part of Indonesia’s biological heritage.
“If law enforcement actions are still frequent, it indicates that public awareness remains low. Therefore, we hope that activities like this can raise awareness and discourage illegal actions against protected animals,” said A.G Martana, Head of BBKSDA Papua.
“We hope that through collaboration between the government, PT Freeport Indonesia, and surrounding communities including the Freeport community efforts to conserve Papua’s endemic wildlife can be sustained to help preserve the biological richness of Indonesia, especially in Papua,” added Natalia Janampa, General Superintendent Government Relations who attended to representing PTFI. (Calista Wiriadinata)
Back To List
.JPG)
.jpg)