"Every living thing created has its own role and duty, and all of them are connected and need each other" - Khoetim

Experience of direct interaction with nature since childhood made Mochammad Khoetiem, Species & Habitat Officer of WWF-Indonesia, realize the importance of nature conservation efforts. Khoetiem's interest in nature and wildlife also made him moved to contribute more to the world of conservation.

The man from Alur Bandung Village, North Kayong Regency, West Kalimantan, started his contribution as a Biology student at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Tanjungpura University. During his study, Khoetiem actively participated in student and social activities, as well as laboratory and field research activities.

For three years of her college years, Khoetiem often took the time to be involved in Orangutan research. This led her to receive a scholarship for her final project from one of the state-owned enterprises to complete research related to Orangutan nests.

His activities during college also brought Khoetiem together with WWF-Indonesia and became the beginning of his participation as a volunteer. She has been involved in several environmental campaign activities, sustainable education programs, and wildlife research such as sea turtles, proboscis monkeys, and orangutans. Khoetiem is now part of WWF-Indonesia in the Hulu Kapuas landscape to support the conservation of various species, one of which is the Orangutan.

Khoetiem recognizes that Orangutan conservation efforts are not always easy. He and his colleagues have to travel long distances to reach orangutan habitats, areas that are rarely visited by humans. Often he has to wade through rushing cascades and steep hills to reach his research destination. She is also required to interact with communities on the outskirts of the forest, or come face-to-face with poachers armed with sharp weapons. Everything Khoetiem does is to collect facts and field data related to orangutan population and distribution.

Often questions arise from people around Khoetiem. Why does she care so much about Orangutan conservation? Why does she want to get involved? What are the benefits? Khoetiem believes that her role in Orangutan conservation has become a source of pride for her.

"Conducting research, presenting facts from the field, enriching information and educating the public is the role I have been able to play so far in order to preserve and protect Orangutans and their habitat. For me, carrying out nature conservation is not just a task, but there is more value that I can provide for life on earth and should continue to be fought for." He concluded.