Indonesia Must Prove Ownership Before Taking Orangutans from Odisha: Minister

Odisha Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia has clarified that no country can take the orangutans currently housed in Odisha without providing valid evidence of their ownership. He said that any decision regarding their transfer would be taken only after verifying the claims and following the prescribed procedures.

According to the Minister, Indonesia is the only country that has so far claimed ownership of the orangutans. A report in this regard has also been submitted to the Government of India. However, merely making a claim will not be sufficient. Indonesia will have to provide appropriate documentary evidence to establish that the orangutans belong to its country.

The Minister further stated that a team from Indonesia would have to visit Odisha and present the necessary proof. Only after examining the evidence would the authorities consider the possibility of an international transfer of the animals. Any such process would be carried out in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations.

Meanwhile, Khuntia informed that the orangutans are currently healthy. He also said that the Odisha Government wants the animals to remain in the state.

The Minister made it clear that no final decision has been taken so far regarding their transfer. The immediate focus is on examining Indonesia’s claim and verifying its authenticity.

The authorities will consider the next course of action only after the necessary evidence is submitted and all required international procedures are completed.

For now, the future of the orangutans in Odisha remains uncertain as the state government awaits proof from Indonesia.