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Merauke, August 9, 2025 – In commemoration of National Nature Conservation Day (HKAN), PT Bio Inti Agrindo (PT BIA), in collaboration with the Papua Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) through KSDA Region I Merauke, carried out a wildlife release activity in Winatuka Hamlet, within the Lake Bian Wildlife Reserve, Ulilin District, Merauke Regency, South Papua.

The released wildlife included amethystine python (Morelia amethistina), water python (Liasis fuscus), red-bellied short-necked turtle (Emydura subglobosa), Parker’s snake-necked turtle (Chelodina parkeri), northern snake-necked turtle (Chelodina rugosa), blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua gigas), and forest dragon (Hypsilurus binotatus). These animals came from both confiscations during monitoring of wildlife trade and voluntary handovers from local communities, and all were declared healthy before release.

PT BIA President Director, Kong Byoung Sun, emphasized that this release reflects the company’s strong commitment to environmental conservation. 
“This initiative is part of our corporate social responsibility to maintain ecosystem balance and ensure the sustainability of biodiversity. Environmental preservation is a legacy that we must protect together for future generations,” he stated.

Head of KSDA Region I Merauke, Y. Agung Widya, S.Hut., M.Si., highlighted that this activity is a strategic step in conserving Papua’s endemic wildlife populations.
“The release not only returns the animals to their natural habitat, but also demonstrates the active role of the community in supporting conservation efforts,” he explained.

The event, held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, also involved members of the Mahuze Besar indigenous clan as the customary landowners of Winatuka Hamlet, represented by Patrisius Mumuru and Hironimus Warenop. Village authorities, the Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Agency of South Papua Province were also present to ensure the release was conducted safely and orderly.

Through this activity, PT BIA and BBKSDA Papua reaffirmed the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in conserving Papua’s biodiversity. PT BIA also hopes that synergy between the private sector, government, and local communities will continue to be strengthened to safeguard the forests and wildlife of South Papua.

This marks the third wildlife release carried out jointly by PT BIA and BBKSDA Papua at the Lake Bian Wildlife Reserve. In addition, PT BIA supports BBKSDA in establishing a transit enclosure for protected plants and wildlife, while also regularly collaborating in SMART Patrol and Fire Patrol activities within the Lake Bian Wildlife Reserve.