ASIATODAY.ID, BANGKOK — Indonesia and Thailand have repatriated four Indonesian orangutans—Bow, Noon, Jay, and Raiking (Tua Yai)—from Thailand to Indonesia on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, reaffirming their joint commitment to wildlife conservation and the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking.
The repatriation marks a key milestone in the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Thailand and reflects the strengthening of their strategic partnership, particularly in biodiversity protection and cross-border law enforcement.
Indonesian Ambassador to Thailand Rachmat Budiman said the repatriation goes beyond the return of wildlife to its natural habitat.
“The repatriation of Bow, Noon, Jay, and Raiking reflects the strong friendship between Indonesia and Thailand, as well as our shared commitment to preventing illegal wildlife trade from its source,” Rachmat said.
Upon arrival in Indonesia, the four orangutans will undergo rehabilitation at the Sumatran Rescue Alliance Orangutan Rehabilitation and Rescue Center in North Sumatra.
In accordance with Indonesian government policy, Orangutans can only be released into the wild after reaching a minimum age of six years and being assessed as capable of surviving independently.
Nearly Two Decades of Conservation Cooperation
Indonesia–Thailand cooperation on wildlife conservation has been sustained for nearly two decades. Since 2006, Thailand has facilitated the repatriation of 78 Orangutans to Indonesia, with most successfully rehabilitated and released back into their natural habitats.
The partnership continued even during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the repatriation of Ung Aing, Natalie, and Giant in 2020, followed by Nobita, Shisuka, and Brian in 2023.
The latest repatriation follows commitments made during the Indonesia–Thailand Joint Commission Meeting (May 2025) and the Indonesia–Thailand Security Dialogue (July 2025), and received attention from Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
The Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok expressed appreciation to all institutions involved, including Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Customs Department, Royal Thai Police, Khao Pratubchang Wildlife Rescue Center, and THAI Cargo.
On the Indonesian side, support came from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Sumatran Rescue Alliance, Center for Orangutan Protection, and Garuda Indonesia.
The return of Bow, Noon, Jay, and Raiking underscores the importance of regional cooperation in protecting endangered species and sends a clear message that illegal wildlife trafficking will not be tolerated. (AT Network)
Follow Us at Google News and WA Channel