According to Project Manager for International Animal Rescue (IAR) Foundation Indonesia, Karmele Liano sanchez, between 500 to 800 orangutans are trapped in the peat swamp forest of Permatang Gadung. The forest, that serves as a corridor connecting Permatang Gadung and other forests in the National Park has been destroyed by humans.
Based on data from Wahana Lingkungan Hidup (Walhi) West Kalimantan, this regency has been issuing the highest number of permits to open oil palm plantations. As of July 2013, there were 76 oil palm companies operating in Ketapang with an estimated area of 838, 855, 99 hectares.
Data from the Mining Department Ketapang highlighted 78 companies that were given exploration permits with a total area of 990, 060 hectares. Mining license holders operated 56 companies covering an area of 196,592.8 hectares. Whilst, the total mining area in Ketapang has reached 1,186,661.8 hectares.
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Doy stared straight through the rain while awaiting for his coffee. Pondering silently, he recollects the past seemingly hidden behind the torrid rain. I ordered a cup of cappuccino, and the cafe owner, Marlin swiftly makes the hot brew.