Photo: Rimba Pelita Elementary gets acquainted with environmental preservation in an outreach program developed by Korintiga Hutani, the Orangutan Foundation (OF-UK), and the Pangkalan Bun unit of Natural Resources Conservation Division (BKSDA)
CENTRAL KALIMANTAN – Korintiga Hutani (KTH) has recently joined forces with the Orangutan Foundation (OF-UK) and the Pangkalan Bun unit of state-run Natural Resources Conservation Division (BKSDA) on “Conservation Class”, a program to promote early awareness and appreciation of forest biodiversity and orangutan conservation.
Held on September 24-25 across multiple schools, this initiative aims to shape positive attitudes and behaviors towards preservation work. This way, children will grow into agents of conservation, as individuals passionate about protecting biodiversity and particularly, orangutans.
The Conservation Class at Rimba Pelita Elementary was attended by Korintiga Hutani’s Public Relations Officer Erwansyah, OF-UK representative Siti Fatimah Yusfi (as speaker), BKSDA representative Adimas Jaya Pratama, and Rimba Pelita principal Wono Mardika.
“We believe children hold the key to the future of conservation,” said Erwansyah from Korintiga Hutani. “With this Class, we want to instill a love for nature and wildlife, environmental values, from an early age.”
The team took an interactive approach to introducing orangutans as an endemic, endangered species which, alongside humans, are impacted by forest protection efforts.
Students participated in a planting session with garden kits (symbol of environmental stewardship), a bucket hat coloring contest, storytelling and dialogue, prized games, and a movie-viewing session featuring an animated film about natural resources and orangutan safeguarding efforts.
“What we’re doing today is more than educating; we’re trying to provide a fun and memorable experience for the kids. Learning is most effective when done through play,” said Adimas Jaya Pratama, a member of the BKSDA’s Second Section of Area Conservation (SKW II) in Pangkalan Bun.
Photo: The two-day event helps elementary school children in Korintiga Hutani’s operational location gain a deeper appreciation for biodiversity
The students showed great enthusiasm throughout the event, especially during the interactive dialogues where they earned prizes for answering questions.
There was much excitement, especially when prizes came out at the dialogue session, awarded to those who answered questions correctly.
“The kids were [all] thrilled and inspired,” said principal Wono Mardika. “[I see] the Class as something that will stick with them long after their childhood years, and for that, it’s worth appreciating. We [also] hope this mindset of conservation can thrive.”
The day’s activities ended with the planting session. Students were guided throughout as they put together mini pots, soil, fertilizer, and seedlings. Once potted, these plants could be taken home, reinforcing a commitment to nature and a message that conservation starts in neighborhoods.
“This has been an incredibly positive activity. Seeing the excitement around planting and getting to know the orangutans really lifted our spirits! We now believe conservation work can be introduced through fun, meaningful ways,” said Siti Fatimah Yusfi from OF-UK. “[Onwards], we hope to continue this collaboration [with Korintiga Hutani and BKSDA] and build an environment-conscious generation.”
This outreach program is expected to foster awareness and participation among younger Indonesians. Korintiga Hutani, OF-UK, and BKSDA are confident that when everyone comes together, the future of forests, orangutans, and Earth will be secure. (PR)