Indonesia-Japan Collaboration on Orangutan Conservation through Breeding Loan Program
BOGOR - Taman Safari Indonesia (TSI) has strengthened its cooperation in orangutan conservation with Japan through the cooperative breeding program. This collaboration was marked by the visit of the Governor of Ehime Prefecture, Japan, Tokhiro Nakamura, to Taman Safari Indonesia Cisarua, Bogor, Friday, January 16.
The arrival of the Governor of Ehime and his entourage was greeted directly by the Founder of the Indonesian Safari Park, Jansen Manansang. The cooperation involves TSI and Tobe Zoo Japan in efforts to preserve orangutans through genetic management and controlled breeding programs.
Jansen explained that this cooperation aims to maintain the genetic continuity of orangutans in Japan. The program is carried out through an exchange and borrowing mechanism between conservation agencies.
"This cooperation is carried out between zoos to maintain and strengthen the orangutan's genetics. Indonesia helps by sending orangutans through a borrowing scheme, so that the orangutan population in Japan remains sustainable and can develop," said Jansen.
In addition to conservation, the collaboration also includes strengthening the research and scientific aspects, including the exchange of knowledge, technology, and human resources such as keepers, veterinarians, and conservation experts.
"Not only about animals, but also the exchange of science, technology, and human resources. This strengthens the relationship between Indonesia and Japan," he said.
In the program, an Indonesian female orangutan named Jennifer was flown to Japan in November 2025. Jennifer will be paired with a male orangutan named Hayato at Tobe Zoo as part of breeding efforts. Both are adult orangutans aged around 10 to 15 years.
The Governor of Ehime Prefecture, Tokhiro Nakamura, said Jennifer is currently placed in a special room and has not been introduced to the public. This step was taken to maintain Jennifer's health condition in the midst of the cold weather that is currently hitting Japan.
"Jennifer is monitored 24 hours a day by the keepers. She is healthy and has a good appetite, but we are not in a hurry. The most important thing is to ensure that her health is stable," said Nakamura.
The plan for Jennifer and Hayato's meeting will be carried out gradually and is projected to begin in May, when the air temperature begins to warm. The Tobe Zoo has also prepared a new cage that is tailored to the needs of the orangutan pair. Nakamura added, the Japanese public's enthusiasm for Jennifer's presence is quite high, even the zoo plans to hold a special event when the two are officially reunited.
Meanwhile, the Director of Species and Genetic Conservation of the Ministry of Forestry, Ahmad Munawir, stated that the use of wildlife in this cooperation is also part of the conservation diplomacy between Indonesia and Japan.
"This is one of the strategies of diplomacy by utilizing wildlife to strengthen the bilateral relations that have been well established," he said.
Munawir explained that this cooperation uses a breeding loan scheme, namely borrowing animals for conservation, research, and education purposes without changing the ownership status. With this scheme, the orangutans sent to Japan remain the property of Indonesia, including their offspring if they breed.
"Ehime Prefecture will also contribute to the conservation of orangutans in Indonesia, both in conservation institutions and in their natural habitats. Jennifer is from Kalimantan, so in the future it is possible to have direct support for orangutan conservation in nature," he concluded.
Through this cooperation, Jennifer's story not only became the public's attention, but also a symbol of conservation diplomacy and a joint commitment to maintaining wildlife sustainability.