Seven captive-bred Maleo birds were released into their natural habitat within the Panua Nature Reserve. The event was a collaboration between the North Sulawesi Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), the Pohuwato Regency Government, and PT Merdeka Gold Resources Tbk (MGR)—operator of the Pani Gold Mine in Pohuwato, Gorontalo.
Held on Friday, 7 November 2025, the event was attended by PT Merdeka Gold Resources Tbk (MGR) President Director Boyke Poerbaya Abidin, Pohuwato Deputy Regent Iwan S. Adam, Head of the North Sulawesi BKSDA Askhari Masikki, and representatives from nearby communities. The release was part of ongoing efforts to protect the Maleo (Macrocephalon maleo), an endemic Sulawesi species listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List.
“I would like to thank Pani Gold Mine for its support in the conservation of the Maleo in Pohuwato,” said Askhari Masikki, Head of the North Sulawesi BKSDA. “We hope this support will continue.”
The Maleo conservation program in Pohuwato has been led by BKSDA and local authorities since 2014, focusing on egg rescue and breeding in natural habitats. MGR’s participation in this release marks a new phase of collaboration between the private sector and government in safeguarding the Maleo’s survival. By 2025, more than 1,300 Maleo birds—hatched from rescued and incubated eggs—had been released back into the wild. According to BKSDA data, the Maleo population in the Panua Nature Reserve is now estimated at around 2,000 individuals, showing signs of recovery after years of decline caused by egg poaching and habitat loss.
The Maleo is unique among birds: it does not incubate its eggs but buries them in warm sand or volcanic soil, relying on geothermal or solar heat for hatching. After 70–80 days, the chicks emerge fully feathered, able to fly and feed independently. This strong dependence on specific habitat conditions makes the species particularly vulnerable to environmental changes.
MGR President Director Boyke Poerbaya Abidin emphasized that the company’s support for Maleo conservation reflects its commitment to sustainable mining practices. “We believe that the success of the mining industry must go hand in hand with environmental preservation,” he said.
Pohuwato Deputy Regent Iwan S. Adam also expressed appreciation for the continuity of the conservation program. He recalled that during his childhood, Maleo eggs were commonly found in the wild. “Sadly, they are now difficult to find. I hope these conservation efforts will continue,” he said.
As part of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk (MDKA) Group, MGR operates its mines under sustainable principles. The company’s support for the Maleo conservation initiative reflects its commitment to balancing mining activities with environmental preservation, underscoring that responsible mining practices can be part of broader efforts to protect biodiversity.
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Main photo: Illustration of a Maleo chick (Syaiful Mooduto/Wikimedia). Top photo: MGR President Director Boyke Poerbaya Abidin (left) and Pohuwato Deputy Regent Iwan S. Adam during the Maleo bird release.
