New Eagle Garda Nusantara Symbolizes Indonesia's Nature Conservation

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Wildlife conservation efforts have once again taken center stage during a working visit by the Deputy Minister of Forestry, Rohmat Marzuki, to the Mount Halimun Salak National Park (TNGHS) headquarters.

During the visit, Marzuki bestowed the name Garda Nusantara upon a recently hatched Javan Hawk-Eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi) chick. The naming followed a direct observation conducted via an online monitoring system at the TNGHS office grounds.

This name was subsequently formalized in an official certificate, serving as a symbolic gesture of the state's commitment to protecting endangered species. “The philosophy behind the name is for this Javan Hawk-Eagle to serve as a guardian of Indonesia’s nature from the skies,” said Marzuki in a press release on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

He emphasized that the Javan Hawk-Eagle holds profound significance as an endemic species. Furthermore, he noted its role as a representation of national identity, given its close resemblance to the Burung Garuda symbol.

As an apex predator, the presence of the Javan Hawk-Eagle is a primary indicator of a balanced forest ecosystem, particularly on the island of Java. During the event, Marzuki also revealed that the Javan Hawk-Eagle population is showing an upward trend.

This data is based on collaborative research conducted between the Ministry of Forestry and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

According to Marzuki, the TNGHS area remains a critical habitat for the species due to the abundance of tall trees ideal for nesting. Consequently, strengthening the protection of this region is considered crucial to ensuring the species' long-term survival.

“By enhancing protection within TNGHS, we hope the Javan Hawk-Eagle population will continue to thrive. Garda Nusantara stands as a symbol of our forest guardians from the air,” he concluded. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)