In 2006, the Indonesian Gibbon Foundation lent a hand to the Kobus Foundation in West Kalimantan, establishing an animal rescue center that encompassed orangutans. Despite the Kobus Foundation's initial focus not being on orangutan rehabilitation, they found themselves caring for numerous orphaned orangutans that locals had kept as pets. As these creatures matured into large and dangerous animals, a pressing need arose.

By 2008, the Indonesian Gibbon Foundation and Kobus Foundation joined forces under the Primate Helping Primate Program. In 2009, the collaborative efforts of Orangutan Outreach, COP, JAAN, and the Kobus Foundation as the Orangutan Team saw the orangutans transition to the International Animal Rescue in Ketapang.

As 2010 dawned, the Head of West Kalimantan BKSDA Office pursued a formal partnership for the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of orangutans. This collaboration between the Kobus Foundation and BKSDA marked a significant milestone.

Between 2010 and 2015, the Kobus Foundation dedicated itself to crafting the Sintang Orangutan Center (SOC) Program, specifically aimed at rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing orangutans. This visionary initiative saw Hasudungan Pakpahan stepping into the role of SOC Programme Manager.

In 2015, SOC was established as an independent entity, formally separating from Kobus Foundation. This newly independent organization assumed responsibility for the ongoing development of the SOC Program.

In 2014, the doors of Tembak Forest School swung open, welcoming orangutan pupils eager to learn the ways of the wild. To date, numerous individuals have graduated from this unique school.

On July 13th, 2017, a momentous MoU was inked between SOC and Betung Kerihun National Park, solidifying their commitment to the Orangutan Release Program. This landmark agreement designated the National Park as the chosen site for releasing orangutans from SOC.

From June to September 2017, the groundwork commenced, as a release basecamp site was developed and all necessary equipment assembled along the Mendalam River.

The fruits of this labor materialized in November 2017 when Jojo, Juvi, and Cemong became the pioneering orangutans released at Betung Kerihun National Park's Mendalam River, marking a triumphant milestone.

Subsequent releases followed suit, with Joy, Molly, and Bembi joining the wild in April 2018, and later, the second forest school at Jerora commenced its official operations in October 2018.

As the tale continues, SOC persists in its mission, exemplifying dedication and conservation by releasing wild adult male orangutans further upstream from previous releases, in a continuous effort to nurture and preserve the delicate balance of nature.

Prevention & Rescue :

• Public awareness & education
• Information collection of orangutans in captivity
• Evacuation

Rehabilitation :

• Quarantine
• Socialisation
• Forest School

Release & Monitoring :

• Site Survey
• Release Process
• Post Release Monitoring