Credit: Zac Mills, the Wildlife Collective
The end of 2025 brought heavy flooding and ecological disaster to Sumatra. But a small “hut of hope” stood its ground. In Tenggulun Village, PETAI’s restoration site remained safe even as floodwaters rose in the surrounding areas.
The restoration hut is a simple place. But it serves as the base of operations for important rewilding work in Gunung Leuser National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and vital orangutan habitat.
The tree nursery is where restoration begins: the seedlings will grow into towering trees, which will hold water, protect the soil, and bring the ecosystem back to life. With the restoration hut and tree nursery intact, the PETAI team and local communities are already back at work, ensuring the “seeds of life” are ready for the next planting season.
In a world filled with bleak environmental news, Indonesia is bucking the trend. Recent data shows that forest loss is slowing down.
Global Forest Watch indicates that 260,000 hectares of primary forest were lost in 2024, which was down from 290,000 hectares in 2023. This is supported by data from the FAO which states that deforestation of primary forest in Indonesia has stabilised, with new forest area increasing in the region.
The situation is complex and ever-changing. We closely monitor deforestation trends and predictions, to adapt our strategy to the changing landscape. This data is an indicator that conservation efforts are working within Indonesia but the focus must now shift to protecting forest corridors. We must make sure that the forest remains connected instead of being broken down into smaller fragments by roads and small-scale farms.
Female orangutans have a baby once every 7 – 8 years, with only 3 – 4 offspring in her lifetime. They reproduce very slowly, which means that orangutans are extremely susceptible to population shocks. They simply do not reproduce fast enough to “bounce back” from habitat loss and natural disasters.
That being said, there are still reasons to feel optimistic about orangutan populations. Orangutans have a very high infant survival rate, with 94% of babies making it to weaning age. This survival rate really is remarkable, as modern human populations only reached the same level of survival in the 20th century!
These figures are a testament to the extraordinary care of orangutan mothers. Our research in West Toba shows that if we protect their habitat and leave mothers and babies undisturbed, these populations are viable and strong. If we safeguard the forest, the orangutans will do the rest.
Sumatra is the only place on Earth where tigers, rhinos, elephants, and orangutans share the same forest. Recent camera trap data from the Leuser Ecosystem captured three times more tiger images than previous surveys.
The study recorded 14 adult females and three separate sets of cubs, indicating a healthy and viable social system. This is proof that community-led patrols and anti-poaching efforts are working. When we protect orangutans and their home, you safeguard the entire rainforest and all the wonderful wildlife within it – including critically endangered tigers.
Change is also happening at the highest levels in Sumatra. Our partners, TaHuKah, recently signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Governor of North Sumatra. This agreement bridges the gap between government policy and boots-on-the-ground conservation. The MoU will support forest protection while improving the welfare of communities living alongside key conservation areas.
Additionally, in light of Cyclone Senyar, there is a growing acknowledgement from leaders that protecting Indonesia’s forests is a conservation priority and a necessity for the welfare of the people. This article explains in more detail how Indonesia still has a window to change course and protect its forests.
Progress is possible when we act together. The survival of that small restoration hut in Tenggulun is proof that even in the face of disaster, hope can be nurtured.
Can you help us keep the momentum going and make sure that wild orangutans thrive far into the future? Donate now.
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