The protected animal named Momon is now undergoing observation and rehabilitation to determine the next conservation steps.
Momon's rescue is part of the commitment of the Ministry of Forestry under the leadership of Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni in strengthening the protection of protected wildlife and maintaining the sustainability of Indonesia's biodiversity.
This effort is carried out through strengthening patrols and law enforcement, increasing wildlife rescue capacity, wildlife rehabilitation and release, to expanding collaboration with local governments, security forces, conservation agencies, and the community.
Head of the Forestry Ministry's Foreign Relations and Cooperation Bureau, Ristianto Pribadi, assessed that Momon's rescue showed that wildlife protection could not only rely on the government.
"The success of the evacuation of Momon also shows the importance of cross-party collaboration in wildlife protection. The synergy between the community, the Bondowoso Regency Livestock and Fisheries Service, Babinsa, Bhabinkamtibmas, the Sukosari Lor Village Government, and the East Java BBKSDA has enabled the rescue process to take place persuasively and without conflict," said Ristianto in his statement, Saturday, July 25.
This case began when a veterinary paramedic from the Bondowoso Regency Livestock and Fisheries Service found a buffalo tied up while conducting a livestock census around a resident's house.
The findings were then reported to the Bondowoso Regency Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Service veterinarian, Zumara Mufida, who then forwarded it to the Jember III Regional KSDA.
The East Java BBKSDA then coordinated with Bhabinkamtibmas Sukosari Police, Babinsa, and the Sukosari Lor Village Government to approach the caretaker. After receiving education on the status of protection of the Javanese elephant and the importance of protecting wildlife in its natural habitat, the residents finally voluntarily handed over Momon to the state.
Based on the caretaker's statement, Momon was found about three to four years ago when he was still a cub in the Selapak coffee plantation area, not far from Sempol Village, Ijen District, Bondowoso Regency.
At that time, the animal was found alone without its mother. Feeling sorry, residents took it home and took care of it until it was an adult. The caretaker also admitted that he did not know the procedures to be carried out when finding protected wildlife.
Ristianto said community reports were an important part of supporting conservation efforts because they allowed protected wildlife to immediately receive the right treatment.
"If you find protected wildlife, the public is urged to immediately report it to the KSDA Headquarters/Headquarters or the nearest forestry officer so that it can be handled in accordance with the provisions," said Ristianto.
After being evacuated, Momon underwent a preliminary physical examination before being handed over to the Jember Conservation Agency Mini Zoo. At this location, the animals will undergo behavioral observation, a thorough health examination, and rehabilitation.
The results of the observation will be the basis in determining the next conservation steps while still prioritizing the principle of animal welfare.
The Ministry of Forestry reminds that the Javanese monkey is an endemic primate of Indonesia that has a protected animal status and has an important ecological role, one of which is to help spread the seeds of various types of forest plants so as to support vegetation regeneration and maintain the balance of the ecosystem.
Therefore, the public is urged not to capture, keep, sell, or own protected wildlife.
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