Yayasan IAR Indonesia

Seminar results of a rapid survey of long-tailed monkeys on 4 islands in Indonesia: threats and expectations

The long-tailed monkey with the scientific name Macaca fascicularis, is one of the most widespread primates in Indonesia. In fact, some of its subspecies are only found on small islands and are now facing serious pressure.

To reveal the latest condition of the species, the Directorate of Species Conservation and genetics of the Ministry of Forestry together with YIARI (Yayasan Initiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia) organized a Seminar on the results of a rapid survey of long-tailed monkeys on four islands in Indonesia on March 18, 2025.

What are the important results of this seminar related to the conservation of long-tailed monkeys? Here’s the summary.

Results and impact of the Seminar results of a rapid survey of long-tailed monkeys on 4 islands in Indonesia

Background and conduct of the survey

Located at the Manggala Wanabakti building, Jakarta, this hybrid seminar presented academics and conservation organizations to discuss the results of a rapid survey of long-tailed monkeys (MEP) conducted by YIARI with the Directorate General. KSDAE Ministry of Forestry, BKSDA Aceh, BKSDA East Kalimantan, and BTN Karimunjawa.

The survey was conducted from May to July 2023 in four locations, namely Simeulue Island, Lasia Island, Karimunjawa National Park, and Maratua Island. The four islands are known to be a habitat for subspecies of long-tailed monkeys that have distinctive morphological characteristics and a very limited geographical distribution.

The lack of scientific data on their population and distribution makes these areas a priority in primate conservation in Indonesia. In addition, the taxonomic status of the four subspecies has not been supported by sufficient molecular data. Therefore, this survey is an important step to support more targeted and scientifically evidence-based conservation efforts.

Survey findings and their impact on conservation strategies

The chairman of YIARI, Silverius Oscar Unggul, stressed that this survey provides a more comprehensive picture of the condition of long-tailed monkey populations in areas that have received less attention.

The resulting Data is an important reference for governments, academics, and conservation organizations in developing long-term preservation strategies.

Further research, especially in the field of genetic studies and Macaca conservation, is needed to deepen scientific understanding while perfecting the conservation approach applied.

One of the important components in maintaining the survival of long-tailed monkeys in the Wild is to provide education to the community in order to foster collective awareness.

This Seminar is expected to form a joint commitment in strengthening the protection of long-tailed monkeys in their natural habitat, as well as producing concrete recommendations to improve conservation effectiveness through synergy between the government, non-governmental organizations, and academics.

The results of this discussion are expected to be the foundation of a stronger conservation policy, based on scientific data, and able to encourage conservation efforts in the future.

However, the strategies developed will not be effective without a deep understanding of the real threats facing this species in the field.

Serious threat to long-tailed monkeys

On the same occasion, Silverius also highlighted the various serious threats facing long-tailed monkeys, especially due to illegal rearing practices and increasing conflicts with humans.

The demand for monkeys as exotic pets has been growing steadily in recent years. Capture from the wild not only endangers the individuals taken but also the mothers of the tragically killed long-tailed baby monkeys, but also damages the social structure of the group in the native habitat.

Torture of long-tailed monkeys is also common, making them live in conditions that are not in accordance with animal welfare standards. In fact, every animal is entitled to 5 Freedoms or five freedoms that must be met to ensure the quality of life of animals. Such freedom includes: freedom from hunger and thirst, discomfort, pain and injury, freedom to behave naturally, and freedom from stress and fear.

Without immediate and coordinated protection efforts, the population of long-tailed monkeys on small islands is threatened to continue to decline and faces the risk of extinction.

Recognizing the urgency of the threat, various parties are now pushing for strengthening conservation efforts that are more structured and data-based.

Data-driven conservation expectations and efforts

In this context, the Seminar on the results of a rapid survey of long-tailed monkeys on four islands in Indonesia became an important momentum in formulating more scientific and systematic conservation measures.

Director of species and genetic Conservation, Nunu Anugrah S.Hut., M.Sc., said that the priority of future species conservation activities will be focused on the IUCN Red List approach, an important instrument for monitoring changes in the conservation status of species over time.

This approach is considered crucial because it can help understand the dynamics of animal populations scientifically, and become the basis for designing conservation policies that are more targeted and science-based.

As part of strengthening national capacity, the Ministry of Forestry together with BRIN and ID SSG IUCN are formulating the establishment of a national institution or committee that will play a role in conducting an independent assessment of the status of Threatened Species in Indonesia.

The hope is that the results of the Seminar on the results of a rapid survey of long-tailed monkeys on 4 islands in Indonesia can be a strategic reference for more structured and systematic conservation investments, involving various stakeholders.

YIARI is also actively developing a long-tailed monkey conservation program, with special attention to zoonotic issues, animal welfare, and mitigation of conflicts between humans and animals.

Long-tailed monkey and ape population data collection in Sumatra, Java, and Kalimantan also continues to be carried out as a basis for strengthening protection strategies.

These measures are evidence that long-tailed monkey conservation requires cross-sector collaboration, is based on science, and is based on a long-term commitment.

Support Together The Survival Of Long-Tailed Monkeys

Seminar on the results of a rapid survey of long-tailed monkeys on 4 islands in Indonesia provides a deeper understanding of the challenges that threaten the survival of this species.

Their protection requires real support from various parties, ranging from governments, communities, to conservation organizations.

Here are some steps we can take together:

1. Avoid Keeping Wildlife

The long-tailed monkey is a wildlife that has an important role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Keeping them as pets actually damages the social structure of their group and accelerates population decline in nature.

2. Raising Awareness About The Dangers Of Animal Exploitation

One of the major challenges in conservation is the lack of public understanding of the impacts of wildlife trade. Education about the importance of protecting animals can reduce the demand for long-tailed monkeys as pets.

3. Spreading Information About The Importance Of Conservation

The more people know the importance of protecting endangered species, the greater the impact. Dissemination of educational and accurate information can foster concern and community participation in conservation efforts.

YIARI continues to develop various long-tailed monkey conservation programs through research, education, and collaboration with various parties.

Support from all walks of life is essential to maintain the existence of this species in the wild.

Come on, take part in preservation efforts. Spread this information so that more people care and help keep long-tailed monkeys from exploitation and extinction.

Yiari and JPK collaboration: strengthening Gender and community-based Environmental Journalism

Environmental and sustainability issues are now getting more attention, especially in the midst of the rampant exploitation of Natural Resources (SDA) that have a direct impact on ecosystems and people’s lives. To help encourage the role of the media in raising these important issues, Yayasan Initiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI) together with Khatulistiwa women journalists (JPK) held a writing workshop at Hotel Neo, Pontianak, towards the end of 2024.

The workshop is designed to strengthen journalists ‘ ability to cover environmental topics in greater depth and meaning. Participants are also equipped with an understanding of the management and conservation of natural resources, plus writing training so that the results of their coverage are sharper, informative, and have a real impact on the community.

“Maybe you’ve seen videos of orangutans who are confused about looking for a place to live because their habitat has been damaged—their land has become empty land. This is still an important issue that needs to be raised. In addition, there is also the topic of One Health , which is no less important. This concept explains how animal, natural, and human health are interrelated. If the animal is not healthy, it can affect humans as well,” explained Hasna, Yiari’s media and communication Supervisor.

The workshop was officially opened by the Secretary of YIARI, Marius Marcellius, together with the head of Khatulistiwa women journalists (JPK), Aseanty Pahlevi. In their remarks, both emphasized the importance of the role of journalists in maintaining public attention to environmental issues. They also highlighted how the media can be a powerful advocacy tool to encourage wiser and more sustainable management of Natural Resources.

JPK co-authoring workshop: enhancing journalist capacity in natural resources coverage

A total of 16 journalists from Pontianak, Ketapang, and Singkawang took part in this activity. Participants come from various media backgrounds, both print, online, and television. Interestingly, the majority of participants are female journalists who do have a high concern for environmental issues.

During the workshop, the participants got a lot of insight from the speakers who are experienced in their fields, such as Ganjar Krisdiyan (Assistant Manager Community Development YIARI), Sapariah Saturi (journalist Mongabay Indonesia), and Aries Munandar (editor Jubi and freelance journalist).

They discussed various strategies for covering environmental issues, the latest developments in natural resource management, and the challenges that often arise when writing conservation and sustainability news. In addition, participants were also invited to explore effective writing techniques and how to compose strong and data-based narratives.

In the next session, the discussion continued to the topic of Environmental Journalism Ethics and issue mapping, which helps journalists understand the principles of ethical coverage as well as the various obstacles they commonly face in the field.

Session 1: Exploring the conservation and management of Natural Resources

Sesi pertama dalam lokakarya ini dibuka oleh Ganjar Krisdiyan, Assistant Manager Community Development YIARI. In his presentation, Ganjar invited participants to understand more about the trend of natural resource management, conservation, and the importance of maintaining biodiversity. This material became the initial foundation to broaden participants ‘ horizons on increasingly urgent environmental issues in Indonesia.

Ganjar explains comprehensively what forests and forest areas are, and why biodiversity is crucial to ecosystem balance. He also highlighted real challenges on the ground, such as land conversion and increasing conflict between humans and Wildlife—phenomena that are increasingly occurring due to forest encroachment and overexploitation of Natural Resources.

Not only that, Ganjar also discussed various regulations related to wildlife protection, and explained the stages in conservation efforts suchas rescue, rehabilitation, and the release of animals back to their natural habitat. The discussion also highlighted the importance of active community involvement in conservation activities, both through community-based approaches and through policies that are more in favor of the environment.

Session 2: exploitation of Natural Resources, Energy Crisis, and Gender perspectives in Environmental Journalism

After the first session, the training continued with an explanation from Sapariah Saturi, a senior journalist from Mongabay Indonesia. In this session, Sapariah raised important issues around extractive industries, energy, and their impact on vulnerable groups—especially women and Indigenous communities.

Sapariah invited participants to take a closer look at the real impact of the fossil energy industry, especially coal, on the environment and public health. He also discussed the urgency of the transition to clean and sustainable energy, such as solar and wind power. On the other hand, he highlighted the government’s energy policy which is still considered too dependent on biomass and less in favor of environmentally friendly energy.

Sapariah also emphasized the importance of gender sensitivity in the coverage of environmental issues. Women are often the group most affected by environmental crises—from limited access to clean water to rising domestic burdens—but their voices still rarely appear in the media or in policy-making.

Through this session, participants are invited to be more sensitive in highlighting social vulnerabilities in the environmental crisis and how journalism can be a tool to fight for ecological justice and equality.

Session 3: Challenges and opportunities of Environmental Journalism

The next session was hosted by Aries Munandar, editor of Jubi and freelance journalist, who discussed various challenges as well as opportunities in covering environmental issues, especially in the West Kalimantan region. According to Aries, ecosystem damage cannot only be seen as an environmental issue, because the impact is very broad—including social, cultural, and economic aspects of local communities.

In his presentation, Aries explained how deforestation and forest degradation contribute to the disruption of the global carbon cycle and the increased risk of disasters such as floods. He also highlighted the complexity of forest management policies that are often influenced by political and economic interests, making the coverage of environmental issues a challenge that is not only technical, but also structural.

Another issue that is no less important is the loss of local vocabulary and traditions along with the destruction of nature. Aries reminded that the preservation of local culture and conservation of endemic animals need to be viewed as one unit in an effort to maintain the environment holistically.

This discussion opened the participants ‘ insight on the importance of exploring issues that often escape the spotlight of the mainstream media. With a more critical and in-depth perspective, journalists can present coverage that is not only informative, but also encourages real change at the community and policy level.

Discussion and exploration: developing impactful environmental coverage

As part of the interactive learning process, the participants also took part in an exploration session on the idea of coverage. In this session, they had the opportunity to consult directly with mentors, developing original, innovative, and potentially impactful coverage ideas for the community.

Not only listening to the material, participants were also actively involved in small group discussions. Through this discussion, they mapped various challenges and opportunities in the coverage of environmental issues. Some of the main challenges that arise include limited access to data, pressure from various stakeholders, to low media interest in environmental issues because they are considered less commercially selling.

However, this session encourages participants to keep looking for gaps and strategies in voicing environmental issues creatively and relevantly. Collaboration among participants and guidance from mentors help reinforce coverage ideas that are not only informative, but also able to arouse public awareness.

Together, let’s write for nature!

Loris cystotomy surgery: removal of stones from Shuri’s bladder

Lying weak in the action room, a male Javanese slow loris named Shuri seemed to calm down under the influence of anesthesia.

But despite the calm, his body was struggling with a serious condition—two fairly large stones lodged in his bladder. Such stones, if not treated immediately, can provoke dangerous complications that threaten his safety.

Shuri is not a young sloth. He is among the elderly slow loris individuals who are under care at the Indonesian rehabilitation nature initiation Foundation (YIARI). In a routine X-Ray examination, there were two stones in Shuri’s bladder. This condition requires immediate medical action through a cystotomy surgical procedure, which is surgery to remove stones from the bladder.

Then, where did the stone inside Shuri’s bladder actually come from? Come on, check out the further explanation below!

What Is Cystotomy Surgery?

To deal with Shuri’s condition, YIARI’s medical team performed a cystotomy, a surgical procedure performed to remove stones from the bladder.

This surgery is also common in other animals—even humans—when bladder stones are already large and cannot be removed naturally.

According to drh. Imam Arifin, a veterinarian who handles Shuri directly, cystotomy becomes the only best option in this case.

“Cystotomy surgery means bladder surgery on Loris. The goal is to take the stone, because in Shuri’s bladder two large stones have formed,‘ he explained.

If they are not removed immediately, the stones can disrupt the voiding process, cause pain, and in the long term provoke infections up to organ damage.

“If left unchecked, more serious complications can arise. That is why fast and precise action is needed,’ added Imam.

Cystotomy surgery is not done carelessly. This procedure requires careful preparation because Loris include animals that are very sensitive to stress. Even a slight overpressure can drastically affect their physiological condition.

Therefore, before the surgery is performed, the medical team must ensure that Shuri is stable and strong enough to undergo anesthesia as well as surgery.

Operation process: two stones were successfully removed from Shuri’s bladder

After being confirmed to be in stable condition, Shuri is scheduled to undergo surgery on January 16, 2025. Despite his no longer young age, this male slow loris showed a fairly good body response ahead of the procedure.

That morning, the action room at the yiari facility was specially prepared. All sterile instruments, anesthetic drugs, and veterinary medical support have been prepared. Shuri was carefully positioned, and the process of total anesthesia was carried out so that she did not feel pain during the operation.

“During the operation, Shuri seemed to be sleeping peacefully. This is very important to avoid excess stress, because Loris are very sensitive to pain and pressure,” explains drh. Priest.

Surgery is performed directly by drh. Imam Arifin, assisted by several other medical personnel. The operation went smoothly, two stones were successfully removed from Shuri’s bladder. The stones have a flattened shape and are white, exactly as the previous X-Ray showed.

The size of the stone is quite large when compared to the size of Shuri’s body. This further confirms the existence of the Stone has the potential to seriously disrupt the urinary system if not immediately addressed.

“The operation went well. Two stones that settled in the bladder were successfully removed completely without complications. We are relieved to see the results, ‘ said Imam.

After the operation is completed, Shuri is transferred to the recovery room. In the first few hours, the medical team continuously monitors his vital signs: heart rate, body temperature and respiratory response. All are within normal limits.

Although still in a weak condition, Shuri’s response shows her body is starting to adjust to the postoperative recovery process.

What are the causes of the formation of stones in the bladder of a slow loris?

The appearance of stones in the bladder is not something that happens suddenly. There are a number of factors that can generally trigger the formation of such stones in animals, including Loris. According to drh. Imam Arifin, these factors include:

• Inappropriate type of food or diet
• Urinary tract infection
• Genetic factors
• urine pH that is too alkaline or too acidic
• Advanced age

Shuri, as an old male Loris, is likely to experience a natural decline in organ function. This can affect the excretory system, including the quality and pH balance of urine.

However, the priest stated that it could not be ascertained specifically the dominant factor causing the formation of stones on Shuri.

“The factors are many. It can be due to food, it can also be due to a changed urine pH. But in Shuri’s case, we haven’t been able to determine the exact cause. Further urine analysis we will do”’ said Imam.

To ascertain the root of the problem, YIARI’s medical team will perform a urinalysis to check the composition of Shuri’s urine, including mineral levels, pH, and potential for infection.

The results of this examination will be very important to determine future preventive measures, not only for Shuri, but also other lorises that are in the rehabilitation program.

Regarding possible food factors, Imam explained that the loris feed in YIARI has been adapted as close as possible to their natural food in the wild. The feeding of fruits, small insects and foliage is ensured in the right portions and frequency.

“Our feed has been arranged to follow their diet in nature. But to be sure, we will still re-evaluate and adjust if necessary,” he added.

Challenges when performing cystotomy surgery

Handling wildlife in critical condition is not an easy task, especially when medical procedures involve surgery such as cystotomy surgery.

Although Shuri is not the first case encountered, any medical action still requires high physical and mental readiness from the veterinary team.

drh. Imam Arifin revealed that the operation on Shuri was the third case of cystotomy on Loris that he had handled with YIARI’s team in recent years.

“This is not the first experience, but each case must have its own challenges. Moreover, Loris are primates that are very sensitive to stress. That makes the handling must be extra careful, ‘ explained Imam.

He recalled the first time he performed a cystotomy on a slow loris several years ago. At that time, Imam admitted that he had doubts because of the lack of references and experience in the practice of similar operations on animals with unique characteristics such as Loris. But after the first successful operation, his confidence increased, and the medical approach was refined over time.

“The first time, Honestly I was tense. But we learned a lot from that experience. Now, we’re better prepared, more structured. But still, one must be vigilant-because the risk remains great, ‘ he added.

One of the biggest challenges in this surgery is maintaining the physiological stability of the loris during the procedure. Loris can experience a sudden drop if stressed, even just because of noise or changes in room temperature. Therefore, YIARI always ensures that the operating room is quiet, sterile, and the team works with neat coordination and minimal distraction.

The priest also stressed that although the stones removed from the bladder look small, the impact can be enormous on health. If not treated immediately, the stone can provoke serious infections, inflammation and organ damage that is difficult to recover from.

Yiari’s commitment to Wildlife Health

Shuri’s story is a true reflection of YIARI’s relentless commitment to the welfare of wildlife, especially those in rehabilitation. Each individual treated animal, including Loris such as Shuri, receives attention and thorough treatment, from early detection of the disease to advanced medical procedures.

Shuri’s experience is a reminder that animal health needs to be monitored regularly, especially for the elderly. Not only that, this story also opens a wider discussion space about the importance of advanced research, community education, and cross-party collaboration in maintaining the preservation and welfare of Indonesia’s wildlife.

Featured image: Shuri, kukang jawa jantan lansia yang harus menjalani operasi sistotomi (Rendi Afandi | YIARI)

Editor: Hasna Latifatunnisa