PROVEN, ORANGUTAN HABITAT IS EVICTED IN BERAU
Ministry of Forestry team (Kemenhut) has completed the verification report on eviction of orangutan habitat in the concession area of PT. BSS in Berau. Verification itself witnessed by APE Defender team from COP as the reporter and PT. BSS as the owner of the concession area. The results showed that orangutan habitat is cleared for palm oil plantations. The coordinates reported by COP was located in the concession area of PT. BSS and photo and video documentation is also very convincing. unfortunately, the landscape has completely changed. The landscape has been planted with palm oil. Before, PT. BSS clarified that their company has been formed task force for orangutan. During observation for the last 4 months they have not found any sign existences of orangutan.
The eviction of orangutan habitat is unlawful and against the principles of Sustainable Palm Oil by Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO). Therefore, BKSDA East Kalimantan moves faster to following up the reports so it can prevent orangutan from being a victims.
RSPO Secretariat also move quickly by asking more detail regarding the report on this case. Unfortunately, ISPO Secretariat does not show his quality as a Certification institution.
Orangutan and its habitat are protected by law No. 5 year 1990.
