Our Projects
Researching the DNA of the Kekah
Researching the DNA of the Kekah: Is It Endemic to Bintan Island?
ArkAsia is currently conducting an important scientific study to understand the true origin of the Kekah from Bintan Island. This research focuses on analyzing the DNA of the Kekah to determine whether this species is truly endemic—meaning it exists naturally and only—in the Bintan Islands.
At present, the genetic data of the Bintan Kekah is not yet registered in any official DNA database, which creates uncertainty about its classification and conservation status. To address this gap, ArkAsia has initiated an ongoing DNA research project to provide accurate, science-based information.
This study is being carried out in collaboration with the Conservation and Natural Resource Center of Riau (BKSDA Riau). The DNA extraction and laboratory analysis are being conducted at BRIN (the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia).
We are currently waiting for the results, which will help clarify the Kekah’s genetic identity and its relationship to other populations. The findings will play a vital role in future conservation planning. If the Kekah is confirmed to be endemic to Bintan, it will strengthen the urgency to protect its habitat and ensure the species survives for generations to come.
🧬 This is ongoing research, and we will share updates as soon as the results are available.
ArkAsia Foundation Goes to School (SMPN 10 Bintan)
ArkAsia Foundation Goes to School:
Inspiring Conservation Awareness at SMPN 10 Bintan
On 30 January 2026, Arkasia, in collaboration with the Conservation and Natural Resources Center of the Riau Islands (BKSDA Kepulauan Riau), successfully held an educational outreach activity at SMP Negeri 10 Bintan as part of the Arkasia Goes to School program.
The activity carried the theme “Peduli Konservasi” (Caring for Conservation) and aimed to introduce students to the importance of protecting wildlife and preserving natural ecosystems. A total of 30 students enthusiastically participated in the session.
During the program, representatives from Arkasia and BKSDA delivered an interactive presentation covering topics such as:
What conservation is and why it matters
The role of young people in protecting nature
The impact of human activities on wildlife and the environment
The session encouraged students to think critically about their daily habits and how small actions—like reducing waste, respecting wildlife, and caring for their surroundings—can make a big difference for the future of the planet.
The students showed great enthusiasm, actively asking questions and sharing their thoughts about environmental issues. This positive response reflected their curiosity and growing awareness of conservation values.
Through Arkasia Goes to School, Arkasia hopes to continue building environmental responsibility among young generations. By starting with education, Arkasia believes that today’s students can become tomorrow’s guardians of nature
Returning Home : To North Maluku
Returning Home:
ArkAsia Foundation and BKSDA Relocate Endemic Birds to Maluku
On 17 December 2025, ArkAsia, in collaboration with the Conservation and Natural Resources Center (BKSDA), successfully carried out a wildlife relocation project by returning nine rehabilitated birds to their natural home in Maluku.
The relocated birds consisted of:
5 Eclectus Parrots / Nuri Bayan (Eclectus roratus)
2 Yellow-crested Cockatoos (Cacatua sulphurea)
1 Salmon-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis)
1 White-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua alba)
All of these species are endemic to eastern Indonesia and play an important role in their native ecosystems.
From Confiscation to Recovery
The birds first arrived at ArkAsia on 5 February 2025 as confiscated wildlife from illegal possession and trade cases. In total, 21 birds were received. Sadly, 6 birds died during transportation due to extremely poor conditions and stress.
When the remaining birds arrived at ArkAsia, most were in very bad condition — weak, stressed, malnourished, and unfamiliar with natural behaviors.
For the next 10 months, ArkAsia carried out an intensive rehabilitation process, which included:
Medical treatment and routine health monitoring
Nutritional rehabilitation and recovery diets
Behavioral training to reduce human dependence
Physical conditioning to rebuild strength and natural movement
Through consistent care and patience, the birds gradually regained their health and natural behaviors.
Birds Still in Rehabilitation
Besides the nine birds that were successfully relocated to Maluku, 7 birds are still undergoing rehabilitation at ArkAsia. These include:
Nuri Kabare / Salvadori’s Fig Parrot (Psittaculirostris salvadorii)
➤ Endemic to Southwest Papua (Papua Barat Daya), IndonesiaYellow-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea)
➤ Endemic to Southeast Sulawesi (Sulawesi Tenggara), Indonesia
Because these species originate from different islands and habitats, they cannot be released together. Each group must be returned to its specific native region to ensure the best chance of survival in the wild.
A Step Toward Conservation
By December 2025, the nine birds were in good physical condition and declared ready for relocation. With the support and coordination of BKSDA, they were safely transported and released back to Maluku, where they belong in the wild.
This project reflects ArkAsia’s commitment to giving wildlife a second chance—from rescue and rehabilitation to proper release into the right habitat.
ArkAsia Foundation‘s Commitment
From rescue and rehabilitation to education and release, ArkAsia continues to work with government partners like BKSDA to protect Indonesia’s extraordinary biodiversity. Every animal returned to the wild is a reminder that conservation is not just about saving individuals—but restoring balance to nature.
ArkAsia Foundation Goes To School (SDN 005 Bintan)
ArkAsia Foundation Goes to School :
Cat is our friend
As part of our commitment to promoting animal welfare education and building compassion toward animals from an early age, ArkAsia proudly carried out the first “ArkAsia Goes to School” program at SDN 5 Bintan, an elementary school located next to our shelter facility. This meaningful milestone marks the beginning of our outreach initiative to introduce responsible animal care to young students in a fun, interactive, and educational environment.
With the theme “Cat is Our Friend,” the program began by welcoming the students to visit our shelter so they could directly observe and learn about the cats under our care. During the session, our team shared basic knowledge about cats, including their behavior, daily needs, proper handling, and the importance of treating animals with kindness, empathy, and respect.
To create a joyful and engaging learning experience, the students were given the opportunity to safely interact and play with the cats under the close supervision of our team. This hands-on activity helped the children develop empathy, confidence, and a deeper emotional connection with animals.
At the end of the program, students were given an assignment to draw the type of pet they have at home and illustrate how they care for their pet properly. This creative exercise encouraged them to reflect on responsible pet ownership while expressing their understanding through art.
As the first school visit in the ArkAsia Goes to School initiative, this activity represents an important step in nurturing a generation that is more compassionate, responsible, and aware of animal welfare—creating a better future for both animals and the community.