I promise you the story I am about to share with you will be the most remarkable conservation story you’ve ever heard or will ever hear. I guarantee it is 100% real.

Naturally, we want to tell you a story so captivating that you cannot wait for our next article. So, kick back, relax, and come along on this journey.

Let’s get acquainted, and I can also share a little about our incredible role within the community. Have you got your coffee; are you sitting down and comfortable?

This is a truly incredible tale. In fact, I’ll even provide you with documents to prove its authenticity.

This is the origin tale of Bali Reptile Rescue’s birth, and surprisingly, it has absolutely nothing to do with snakes or reptiles.

Get ready for a story about saving orangutans, corruption, bribery, death threats and “boobs” (yes, breasts, melons, chest puppies!). This is a tale of the Dayak head hunters of Kalimantan (Borneo), a thrilling rock climbing adventure, and the rigorous training of Indonesia’s Special Forces. But most importantly, it’s the incredible journey of Shinta Sukmawati, the founder and owner of Bali Reptile Rescue.

Spoiler alert: a 43km x 43km piece of land in South Kalimantan is now dedicated to orangutan conservation, all thanks to Shinta Sukmawati’s “big boobies.” True story, no lies. But how does this relate to Bali Reptile Rescue, you might wonder? Keep reading, and it will all come together.

To truly understand this story, we must understand Shinta. Born in 1970, she was the fifth of eight siblings. Her Father, from East Java, came from a royal bloodline and held the rank of Captain in the Indonesian Army. He was a  Muslim. Because of her father’s bloodline, Shinta and her siblings had royal titles and were referred to as prince or princess. It was only an honorary title; no wealth was associated with it.

Shinta’s mother, on the other hand, belonged to the Christian Dayak community, indigenous to Kalimantan. The love story between Shinta’s parents began when her father was stationed in Palang Karaya. They fell deeply in love and wanted to get married. Still, there was a significant hurdle to their marriage: the Indonesian Government does not recognize mixed-faith marriages, a policy that still stands today.

To reiterate, Shinta’s parents’ marriage resulted in eight children. The initial four children were all girls. Shintas’ father really wanted a boy, so he planned to keep having children until a male heir was born. He made a firm decision, declaring that the next child, regardless of gender at birth, would be raised as a boy.

The next child was a girl—Shinta.

Shinta was raised as a boy.

This aspect of her upbringing provides valuable insight into Shinta’s character. Being in the Army, her father engaged Shinta in activities like camping, hunting, and fishing, typically reserved for boys, while her sisters remained at home. Three more children were born: one girl and two boys. Shinta was the eldest among her siblings and was raised as a boy alongside her brothers. With her mother’s Dayak warrior lineage and her father’s military guidance, she naturally took on a leadership role among her siblings.

Shinta went off to university to get a degree in finance and economics. During her time at the university, she became a part of the outdoor adventure club, specializing in the art of rock climbing. Her university team was actively involved in climbing competitions, achieving remarkable success. This caught the attention of the Indonesian Army, who sought their expertise to train their Military and Special Forces due to a shortage of qualified climbing instructors.

However, Shinta’s interests didn’t particularly lie in snakes or reptiles; it was her outdoor climbing adventures that brought these fascinating creatures into her life. After graduating from university, she landed a job in the accounting department of a coal mining company. Despite her busy work life, she continued to nurture her network of adventurous friends who were always out exploring Kalimantan.

Shinta and her friends founded Borneo Wildlife Rescue, which I believe is still active today.

During one of their many adventures, they stumbled upon something truly extraordinary: a colony of wild orangutans in South Kalimantan.

Here’s what makes this discovery so remarkable—there had never been any records of orangutans in that area before.

Shinta and her friends made every effort to alert both authorities and the media about their remarkable discovery.

Regrettably, no one believed them. The substantial financial stakes involved and the lack of documented evidence (read: photos) to substantiate their discovery led to their claims being met with scepticism.

The destructive projects would continue, and the homes and lives of the orangutans would be destroyed.

Despite these challenges, one intrepid journalist did listen.

Frustrated by the lack of belief in their discovery, Shinta and her team reached out to the international scientific community. Four scientists from various corners of the globe answered the call. They each boarded a plane and journeyed to meet Shinta and her crew. Their mission was clear: confirm or deny Shinta’s claims of orangutans in South Kalimantan.

To delve deeper into the authenticity and uniqueness of this tale, I encourage you to explore the articles and publications provided.

Corruption and Threats

Whilst the team waited for the scientists to arrive, Shinta found herself at the centre of attention. Journalists and parties with significant financial stakes in the area reached out to her. They made substantial offers, often six-figure sums, to dissuade her from reporting or publishing her findings. With the offer of money also came the threats if she did not accept.

The Sacrifice

Before we proceed, you must understand the immense personal sacrifice involved.

Shinta held a degree in finance and economics and had a well-paying job with a multinational coal mining company. She owned her house in Kalimantan outright, with no debt despite her young age. She had a good financial future—if she toed the line and forgot about the orangutans. But that’s not Shinta.

True Story

As soon as the scientists arrived the expedition wasted no time setting off to find the orangutans. Led by Shinta, they set off deep into the jungle. The scientists had financial and time constraints and couldn’t endlessly pursue these elusive creatures, so time was of the essence.

It’s difficult to convey just how formidable these jungles can be. This wasn’t a leisurely hike; it was a gruelling expedition into the heart of the untamed wilderness, a real-life Mission Impossible.

For a day or two, Shinta’s team could hear the orangutans, but they couldn’t get close enough for visual confirmation. The orangutans kept their distance, and although the scientific team was excited about the monkey noises in the trees, it wouldn’t be enough to halt the destruction of their habitat.

 

They needed proof, and time was running out.

The team was always within earshot but never close enough for visual confirmation. They constantly discussed solutions to this problem, hour by hour, knowing that the scientific team would soon have to return home.

Frustration was the word of the day. The expedition could tell how close they were by the noises. So close, but yet so far.

The next morning, the team set off early, knowing they would have the best chance to capture the orangutans before they became mobile.

“Boobies” Save the Day

Leading the expedition, Shinta heard the colony of orangutans. She knew they were close.

What I am about to say will be witnessed by God, and may I only speak the truth.

Shinta signalled her team and the scientists to stop and hold their ground. She moved about 100 meters ahead of the team toward the noise. When she knew the orangutans were watching her, she knew she had the attention of the Alpha males.

In a daring move, she removed her clothing and, for want of a better phrase, “flashed her boobies.” The response was immediate; there was a ruckus in the trees as the males went crazy. The males and possibly even the females became curious and started coming down to investigate.

Shinta had their full attention; the orangutans were captivated and put fear aside. She communicated with the expedition, and they managed to capture photographs of orangutans in South Kalimantan that had never been recorded before.

The Price to Pay

The team returned home ecstatic. Everyone was on a high. Mission completed.

Everyone except Shinta. Confirmation of orangutans meant Shinta’s life was in danger.

She had to quickly put her backup plan into action.

 

The Birth of Bali Reptile Rescue

Shinta had been offered substantial sums of money to keep her mouth shut. She contacted the journalist who was willing to publish the article and organised flights to Bali. Shinta asked the journalist not to publish the article until she confirmed her safe arrival in Bali, and a similar agreement was made with the scientists. Everyone had to wait until Shinta was out of Borneo.

Once Shinta reached Bali safely, everyone was notified, and the articles were published, which didn’t sit well with big businesses. Shinta relocated to Bali and established Bali Reptile Rescue.

 

The land in Borneo has now become an orangutan sanctuary.

Shinta refrained from returning to where she grew up for ten years. Even then, she was still scared of her name being known because of the death threats against her.

The author of this article is her husband. I am so proud of my wife.

I hope you look forward to our next article.

We have so much information to share with the community.

 

What do you need to know:

Bali Reptile Rescue serves the community. From Fear to Respect.

We are a not-for-profit organization that receives no external funding.

We collaborate closely with the Indonesian Government, and our efforts have received official support.

We are a family of volunteers.

We do not sell, keep, kill, or profit from reptiles captured. All animals are released back into the wild. We do not trade or breed animals. Our team comprises experts, including scientists, veterinarians, and skilled handlers. We enjoy international recognition and respect with a network of friends and associates spanning the globe.