In 2017, ARSARI Djojohadikusumo Foundation (YAD) initiated an environment conservation program in East Kalimantan. During the development, the program involved the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) represented by East Kalimantan BKSDA. On 2 December 2019, Orangutan Sanctuary Center (PSO) ARSARI was inaugurated by the Director General of KSDAE of the Ministry of Environment, Dr. Wiratno, alongside the Chairman of YAD, Hashim Djojohadikusumo. Following the first cooperation, the second one was quickly forged under PKS.1/KSDAE/RKK/KSA.01/1/2023 and Memorandum of Undersanding 001/YAD-NK/1/2023 signed on 02 February 2023 about Strengthening Functions on Conservation of Orangutan and other Wildlife alongside their Habitat in the territory of East Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA).
PSO-ARSARI is located at the site of PT. ITCI Kartika Utama, later reinforced by an agreement between PT. ITCI Kartika Utama and YAD, No. 005/OK/0410/2018 and No. 223/YAD/X/2018 concerning Management of High Level Conservation Area. PSO ARSARI aims to be a sanctuary for orangutans who can no longer be released back into the wild, such as those who are blind, disabled, old or have spent too long in captivity. Currently PSO – ARSARI focuses on caring for adult male orangutan. PSO ARSARI strives to implement all the programs planned and organized together into reality.
To realize its mission, PSO ARSARI requires a place, a site for adult male orangutans to live comfortably, not in captivity but free in nature. Thus, PSO ARSARI pitched the idea to use small islands around the site as a sanctuary. Our biggest hope is for the island administration process to run smoothly so our precious orangutans can roam freely as soon as they can. PSO ARSARI are prepared to work tirelessly to ensure the conservation and prosperity of orangutans.