The Indonesian government is investigating allegations of wildlife killing in a burnt oil palm concession managed by a Singapore-based firm in West Kalimantan, following the discovery of what is believed to be an orangutan skull on the site. The skull was found on October 8 within a designated high conservation value (HCV) forest area of PT Kayung Agro Lestari, a subsidiary of First Resources, a major Singapore agricultural company, located in Ketapang Regency.
HCV forests are areas identified for their significant social and biodiversity values, and the portion of the concession where the skull was found comprises roughly 4,000 hectares out of the company’s nearly 10,000-hectare plantation. This HCV zone serves as a habitat for approximately 180 Bornean orangutans, according to a 2019 assessment prior to First Resources’ acquisition of the concession.
The Forestry Ministry has said the investigation is ongoing to verify the species, determine the cause and timing of death, and decide on any legal action. A ministry spokesperson noted that authorities are currently gathering information from the company as part of a joint fact-finding team. First Resources has affirmed its commitment to cooperate with authorities regarding the investigation.
The probe follows extensive fires that scorched large sections of the plantation between early August and mid-September. These blazes reportedly displaced dozens of orangutans from the HCV forest habitat. While First Resources contends that the fires originated outside its holdings, independent analyses indicate that at least 2,382 hectares of the HCV forest were affected by the fires as of late September.
Environmental groups have criticized the firm, alleging insufficient effort to protect the conservation area. Karmele Llano Sanchez, chief executive of International Animal Rescue Indonesia Foundation (IARAI), accused First Resources of reducing its firefighting brigade after the company acquisition in 2025, suggesting a prioritization of commercial oil palm plantations over forest conservation. First Resources denied these allegations, reiterating its zero-burning policy and disputing any claim that its operations increased fire risks.
The impact on the orangutan population remains severe. Phil Aikman, representing environmental organization Mighty Earth, highlighted that the affected areas are largely burnt out, forcing authorities to rescue and relocate starving, dehydrated orangutans. As of October 13, the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency reported that 26 orangutans had been rescued, with others still awaiting evacuation.
The 2026 fire season has been exceptionally destructive, with nearly 1.4 million hectares of land burned across Indonesia, including peatlands and forests, leading to a regional haze crisis and wide concerns over public health. This has prompted calls for a more rigorous and transparent approach by Indonesian authorities toward companies responsible for illegal burning and environmental degradation.
The palm oil industry, of which Indonesia is the largest global producer, has faced increased scrutiny amid the fires. Several firms, including members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), have been identified in independent reports as linked to significant fire activity this year. Critics have urged the RSPO to suspend certifications for companies found to violate sustainability standards, warning that failure to do so risks the organization’s reputation. An RSPO spokesperson stated that the body has established transparent procedures to investigate violations and is monitoring the situation closely.
Separately, Indonesian officials confirmed that as of early October, at least 97 corporations remain under investigation for wildfire-related offenses, with commitments to disclose their names following the conclusion of legal processes.