Saving the Last 100: Javan and Sumatran Rhinos in Peril

KBRN, Jakarta: The Sumatran rhinoceros and the Javan rhinoceros, two species native to Indonesia, are facing a critical threat of extinction, with fewer than 100 individuals of each species estimated to remain.

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni emphasized that these animals are a source of national pride and must be protected.

“The theme is perfectly fitting: love rhinos, love Indonesia, even love the world, because they are our pride,” said Minister Raja Juli during the commemoration of World Rhino Day 2025 in Jakarta on Monday, September 21, as reported by antaranews.com.

He underscored the urgency of strengthening forest governance and implementing targeted conservation efforts to safeguard Indonesia’s endangered wildlife, particularly the Sumatran and Javan rhinos.

Satyawan Pudyatmoko, Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE) at the Ministry of Forestry, reported that the Javan rhinoceros population is estimated to be between 87 and 100 individuals, all residing in Ujung Kulon National Park, Banten.

The Sumatran rhinoceros faces a similar plight, with fewer than 100 individuals scattered across conservation areas in Sumatra and a small number remaining in Kalimantan.

Both species are listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. Satyawan noted that threats extend beyond poaching, including habitat fragmentation and high inbreeding risks, which jeopardize long-term survival.

To address these challenges, the Ministry of Forestry has launched several initiatives. For the Javan rhinoceros, translocation is considered essential due to limited habitat capacity, low genetic diversity, and an inbreeding rate of 58.5 percent.

In early September 2025, the ministry partnered with the Indonesian Rhino Foundation and the Indonesian Military (TNI) to initiate Operation Merah Putih (Red and White Operation), aimed at relocating Javan rhinos from the Ujung Kulon Peninsula to the Javan Rhino Study and Conservation Area (JRSCA), which remains within the broader conservation zone.

Additionally, the ministry has collaborated with IPB University to establish a biobank and apply assisted reproductive technologies (ART) to support population growth.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway to relocate Pari, the only known wild Sumatran rhino in Kalimantan, to an in-situ conservation site. This follows the successful transfer of Pahu to the Kelian Rhino Sanctuary (SBK) in East Kalimantan.

Plans are also in place to rescue and translocate Sumatran rhinos currently living outside protected areas on Sumatra Island, including those in Aceh outside Gunung Leuser National Park.

To mark World Rhino Day 2025, the Ministry of Forestry unveiled a 1.73-ton bronze sculpture of a Javan rhinoceros, donated by the International Rhino Foundation (IRF).

Created by international artists Gillie and Marc, the statue was presented to the Indonesian government under the theme “Sustainable Rhinos, Radiant Earth.” ***