Three Javan langurs released into East Java sanctuary

hartono · Jul 18, 2025

One of the Javan langurs released into the Nusa Barung Island Wildlife Sanctuary, East Java, Tuesday (15/7/2025). /ANTARA/HO via Ministry of Forestry

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Forestry has released three protected Javan langurs (Trachypithecus auratus) into the Nusa Barung Island Wildlife Sanctuary in East Java, ahead of National Nature Conservation Day (HKAN) 2025.

"This release demonstrates our love for nature and our commitment to reuniting those who are separated: animals and their habitats, and humans and their responsibilities," Head of the East Java Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA), Nur Patria Kurniawan, noted in a press statement on Friday.

Kurniawan explained that the three langurs released consisted of two males, named Anton and Gareng, and one female named Beti.

The release activities commenced on July 14, with a joint team departing for Nusa Barung Island.

Upon arrival, the team split into two groups: one tasked with building a habituation enclosure in Jedingan, while the other set up tents and logistics at Cambah, which served as the release and monitoring site.

The actual release took place on July 15, with Beti leading the way into her new home in the Nusa Barung Island Wildlife Sanctuary.

"Before the team returned, initial monitoring was conducted to ensure the animals were adapting well, including their movement patterns, responses to the environment, and potential interactions with wildlife groups in the area," Kurniawan revealed.

He described the release as a concrete manifestation of the conservation mandate: restoring the bond between animals and the forest, and affirming every creature's right to return to its natural habitat.

HKAN is commemorated every August 10 to raise awareness about the importance of nature conservation and to encourage public participation in environmental and biodiversity preservation efforts.