PONTIANAK - WWF-Indonesia West Kalimantan Program conducted a socialization as well as a rapid survey of the level of public understanding related to orangutan protection in the area of Car Free Day (CFD) Jl. A. Yani Pontianak on Wednesday (21/8/2016), in commemoration of World Orangutan Day.

Currently, the Bornean orangutan is designated as a critically endangered species by the IUCN. In West Kalimantan, orangutans are now only found in pockets of habitat with small populations and their natural habitat is shrinking as a result of area expansion and overuse of forests. The declining orangutan population is directly proportional to the increasing threats to the protected species, such as land conversion, forest and land fires, illegal trade, and poaching.

"This action was held in commemoration of World Orangutan Day, which falls on August 19 every year. This activity aims to disseminate information about orangutans to the people of Pontianak City, as well as measure public understanding of orangutans and their protection," said Pawan-Kubu Species Officer, WWF-Indonesia West Kalimantan Program, Dewi Puspita Sari.

The survey was conducted on 50 respondents who were met randomly in the CFD area from various professions such as students, college students, employees, police and the private sector. 48 of the total respondents knew about orangutans and could distinguish them through pictures.

"This is an orangutan. I know orangutans, but I've never seen one in person," said a private employee from Pontianak, Retno.

The rapid survey was also conducted to find out public opinion regarding threats to orangutans. According to the people of Pontianak City, forest and land fires are the biggest threat to the survival of orangutan populations and habitats.

"Because of the entry of companies, I think land fires are the main threat. Like now there have been land fires," said a student from Sekadau, Kandar.

In general, from the respondents who were asked for their opinions, the level of understanding regarding orangutan protection is quite good. The people of Pontianak City can be said to be quite familiar with the issue of orangutan protection, which has been widely highlighted by the media as well as from socialization activities carried out by the government or related institutions.

"As one of the organizations working on environmental and conservation issues, WWF-Indonesia wants orangutan protection efforts to be carried out with the support of all parties, including the community. The greater the support, the greater the efforts that can be made, and the greater the impact we can create for the preservation of orangutans as a key species for ecosystem health," said Kalimantan Regional Leader, WWF-Indonesia, M. Hermayani Putera.

"We as Bornean people should be more concerned about preserving orangutans, not people from outside Kalimantan or outside Indonesia, hopefully we can too. Hopefully, there will be no more poaching and burning of forests or land, including people who keep orangutans," said Retno.