The Ministry of Forestry has confirmed the death of Sempurna, a Bornean orangutan who was found unconscious and suffering from severe respiratory distress in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan.
Authorities suspect that exposure to smoke from forest and land fires contributed to the animal’s condition, which later developed into acute hypoxia and cardiovascular dysfunction.
Murlan Dameria Pane of the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) expressed condolences following Sempurna’s death and said that the animal had received emergency treatment shortly after being discovered.
“It is deeply regrettable that Sempurna could not be saved. Upon receiving reports from the public, the West Kalimantan BKSDA team, together with YIARI, immediately carried out an evacuation and provided medical care suited to the animal’s condition.
Further examinations were also conducted to assess health status and identify factors suspected of contributing to the death,” said Murlan on Thursday (September 3, 2026) to numerous media outlet in Indonesia.
Orangutan Found in Critical Condition
Sempurna was first reported by local residents at around 07:00 WIB on August 30. The orangutan was discovered in a dry ditch inside an oil palm plantation in Sempurna Hamlet, Kuala Satong Village, North Matan Hilir District, Ketapang Regency.
When the rescue team arrived, Sempurna was in an extremely weakened condition. The animal was unable to stand properly, had limited mobility and was experiencing difficulty breathing.
The West Kalimantan BKSDA team and the International Animal Rescue Indonesia Foundation (YIARI) immediately began the rescue operation. Sempurna was given emergency treatment at the location, including oxygen therapy and intravenous fluids.
The animal was then transported to the YIARI rehabilitation centre at approximately 11:30 WIB for further medical treatment.
Despite the intervention, Sempurna’s condition continued to deteriorate. At around 14:00 WIB, his breathing became increasingly shallow and his oxygen saturation could no longer be detected.
After Sempurna showed signs of respiratory arrest, the medical team performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). However, the efforts were unsuccessful and Sempurna was pronounced dead at 15:20 WIB.
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Necropsy Points to Smoke Exposure
A necropsy was conducted on September 1 to determine Sempurna’s health condition and investigate the suspected cause of death.
According to Murlan, the examination found pathological changes in several organs, particularly the lungs, heart and kidneys.
Based on Sempurna’s clinical history and examination results, the pathological changes observed in the lungs were suspected to be associated with exposure to smoke. Such exposure can impair lung function and reduce the body’s ability to obtain sufficient oxygen.
The condition is believed to have resulted in acute hypoxia, in which the body does not receive enough oxygen. The resulting lack of oxygen was further suspected to have contributed to cardiovascular dysfunction and ultimately Sempurna’s death.
Murlan also highlighted the importance of public involvement in wildlife rescue operations, particularly when animals are found in areas affected by forest and land fires.
“The public’s role is vital. We urge the community to immediately report any wildlife in need of assistance so that officers can take prompt action,” he added.
The case highlights the risks faced by wildlife during forest and land fires, while authorities continue to rely on reports from local communities to identify animals requiring urgent assistance.
