"Birute Galdikas: The World's Eminent Orangutan Expert"

A Lifelong Dedication to Orangutans and the Borneo Rainforest: The Story of Prof. Dr. Birute Mary Galdikas

When discussing the enchanting orangutans, these exotic creatures that are among Indonesia's prides and a remarkable draw for tourists visiting Kalimantan and Sumatra, it's essential to recognize the work of Professor Birute Galdikas. While her name may still be unfamiliar to many in Indonesia, she is highly esteemed in the field of primatology and great ape conservation worldwide.

Birute Galdikas is a pioneering force in global orangutan research, notable for her contributions to conservation, environmentalism, and the preservation of Kalimantan's forests. Since beginning her work in Indonesia in 1971, Galdikas has devoted over 50 years to this cause. She was a direct protégé of the legendary paleoanthropologist, Dr. Louis Leakey, before embarking on her monumental work in Kalimantan’s tropical rainforests.

Born in Wiesbaden, Germany, on May 10, 1946, Galdikas and her family later emigrated to Canada, where they settled and became citizens. She pursued her education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), earning a bachelor's degree in psychology and zoology, and later a master's degree in anthropology in 1969.

Driven by a strong desire to study orangutans in their natural habitat, Galdikas connected with Dr. Louis Leakey, who endorsed her plan and helped secure funding through a grant from The National Geographic Society to establish a research facility in Kalimantan.

Leakey's Angels

In the world of great ape research, there are three extraordinary women, all mentored by Dr. Louis Leakey, often referred to as "Leakey's Angels": Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and the youngest of the trio, Birute Galdikas. Jane Goodall began her groundbreaking studies on chimpanzees in Kenya and Tanzania in 1960, Dian Fossey emerged as a prominent researcher of gorillas starting in 1966 in the Congo and Rwanda regions, and Birute Galdikas started her research at the Tanjung Puting Wildlife Sanctuary (now Tanjung Puting National Park) in Central Kalimantan Province in 1971. These three women are also internationally recognized as "The Trimates," the most influential female primatologists in the world.

Orangutans and the Borneo Forest

On November 6, 1971, a 25-year-old Birute Galdikas, accompanied by her then-husband Rod Brindamour, began her groundbreaking research on orangutans in the Tanjung Puting forest of Central Kalimantan. Orangutans are unique as the only great apes found outside of Africa. With the assistance of local communities from the Kumai and Pangkalan Bun areas and support from the Indonesian government through the Ministry of Forestry, her research started successfully.

Their initial base was a simple hut without walls in the heart of the wilderness, which they later named "Camp Leakey" in honor of her mentor, Dr. Louis Leakey. Today, Camp Leakey is renowned as one of the most historic sites in primatology and a major tourist destination on the island of Borneo, attracting foreign visitors eager to observe orangutans in their natural habitat.

Galdikas's profound love for orangutans inspired her to extend her efforts beyond research. She became actively involved in the conservation of various wildlife species and the preservation of the Borneo forest, their natural habitat. To advocate for the environment, promote conservation efforts, and prevent deforestation, she established the Orangutan Foundation International (OFI) in 1986. This organization seeks to garner global support and secure serious attention from the Indonesian government to bolster her conservation initiatives.

Legacy and Lifelong Dedication

Dr. Birute Galdikas, an esteemed academic and anthropologist, holds a full professorship at Simon Fraser University in Canada and an extraordinary professorship at the National University in Jakarta. Throughout her career, she has significantly contributed to educating many individuals, particularly students, about orangutans, nature conservation, forest protection, and wildlife preservation.

As the principal researcher with the longest continuous study of wild animals in scientific history, Galdikas has dedicated over 100,000 hours to orangutan research over several decades. Her unparalleled expertise has earned her the title of "Grandmaster" of the world's orangutans. Her extensive studies and research have resulted in numerous scientific journals and publications, as well as several popular books on orangutans and her experiences in the Borneo forests: Reflections of Eden (1995), Orangutan Odyssey (1999), and Great Ape Odyssey (2005).

In 2021, Galdikas celebrated 50 years of dedicated work towards the conservation of orangutans, wildlife, local communities, and the protection of the Kalimantan forest, one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests.

Ecotourism Pioneer

Birute Galdikas is also a pioneering figure in ecotourism in Indonesia. She played a key role in persuading the Indonesian government to permit limited tourism activities in Tanjung Puting National Park, benefiting local residents and supporting conservation efforts.

The turning point came after the International Great Ape Conference in 1991, attended by numerous world-renowned scientists, including Dr. Jane Goodall. Following this conference, the government, through the Ministry of Forestry, opened access for local communities to engage in tourism activities within Tanjung Puting National Park, particularly in the Camp Leakey area. Previously, only researchers, scientists, government guests, and students were granted access.

This initiative provided local communities with alternative income sources, reducing the need for illegal logging, animal hunting, or illegal mining. Today, Tanjung Puting stands as one of Indonesia's premier ecotourism destinations and is the most visited site by foreign tourists on the island of Kalimantan. The ongoing growth of ecotourism has created numerous job opportunities for the local population, particularly in the Kotawaringin Barat Regency, highlighting the lasting impact of Galdikas's contributions.

Awards and Recognition

As a leading scientist renowned for her dedication and contributions, Birute Galdikas, who hails from a pure Lithuanian heritage, has received numerous national and international recognitions and awards, including:

• Kalpataru (Indonesia)

• Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement

• Institute of Human Origins Science Award

• Officer, Order of Canada

• PETA Humanitarian Award

• United Nations Global 500 Award

• Sierra Club Chico Mendes Award

• Eddie Bauer Hero for the Earth

• Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Medal (Canada)

• Chevron Conservation Award

• Pride of Lithuania Award

• Gold Medal for Conservation, Chester Zoological Society (UK)

• Explorer and Leadership Award, Royal Geographic Society of Spain

• Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal (Canada)

• Satya Lencana Pembangunan (Indonesia)

Her impactful work has been featured in various international media, both print and electronic. She has been the central figure in numerous documentaries about orangutan conservation, nature and wildlife protection, and her inspirational life journey. One notable documentary she starred in was Born To Be Wild 3D (2011), which was screened in 26 countries and narrated by the renowned actor Morgan Freeman, known as the "Voice of God."

Ibu Professor

When Birute Galdikas first arrived in Indonesia in late 1971, she was a foreign researcher and a Canadian citizen. Over time, her deep connection to Kalimantan and Indonesia led her to gain full citizenship from the Indonesian government. Among the locals who know and admire her, she is affectionately called "Ibu Professor."

She was married to Pak Bohap (deceased), a member of the Pasir Panjang Dayak tribe, who initially assisted her research with his extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna of Kalimantan's forests. He was also a co-founder of the Orangutan Foundation International (OFI) and played a crucial role in supporting her research and conservation efforts.

Even at an advanced age, Mrs. Professor remains active in teaching at several universities in the United States and Canada. She attends numerous seminars and forums, leads various environmental campaigns as the president of the Orangutan Foundation International (OFI), and frequently participates in field activities in Kalimantan's forests related to the conservation and rescue of orangutans and other wildlife.

Her inspiring story and exemplary spirit serve as a powerful reflection for all Indonesians. If someone who once was a foreign citizen can dedicate her life to protecting nature, animals, and the richness of the archipelago, we should be inspired to follow in her footsteps through real efforts and actions in our respective fields.

This writing is dedicated to celebrate International Orangutan Day (August 19th, annually) and is a tribute to Dr. Birute Mary Galdikas for her lifetime dedication to the orangutans and the rainforest of Borneo.

- Mickey Juanda -

Prof. Dr. Birute Mary Galdikas

Prof. Dr. Birute Mary Galdikas with Mickey Juanda, led the 2015's National Geographic Orion - Borneo Expedition

Young Birute Mary Galdikas - National Geographic Magazine 1975

Prof. Dr. Birute Mary Galdikas with US 42nd President Bill Clinton in Camp Leakey, 2014