Government Considers Relocation of Javan Rhinos from Ujung Kulon to Alas Purwo

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The government plans to relocate several Javan rhinoceroses from Ujung Kulon National Park in Banten to Alas Purwo National Park in East Java.

Presidential Special Envoy for Climate and Energy Hashim Djojohadikusumo stated that this initiative aims to ensure the survival of the Javan rhinoceros population amid the threat of tsunamis caused by the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait.

“Due to new problems with Mount Anak Krakatau, that area is at risk. If there’s a tsunami due to an earthquake or volcanic eruption, it could lead to a tsunami. If a tsunami occurs, our Javan rhinoceroses could become extinct. Therefore, there’s an idea to move some Javan rhinos to Alas Purwo,” Hashim said during a meeting at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey, on Thursday (12/11/2026), as quoted from Tribunnews.com.

Hashim emphasized that the relocation of Javan rhinoceroses to Alas Purwo remains a concept.

The government needs to assess habitat suitability, the health conditions of the animals, and the readiness of the relocation area before executing this plan.

Moreover, transferring animals from Banten to East Java requires substantial funding.

Therefore, the government is opening opportunities for the involvement of international agencies and donors to support the establishment of new habitats.

Hashim mentioned that one funding option being considered is through the forest financing scheme within the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF).

According to him, several international parties have shown interest in supporting this plan.

“There might be international organizations, donors, and others who want to fund it. Funding is necessary. If they are interested, some are keen to finance the establishment of a new place in Alas Purwo,” he added.

Remaining Javan Rhinos in Ujung Kulon

The Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) is one of the ancient animals that still survive today.

However, its fate is quite concerning: it only exists in one place in the world, namely Ujung Kulon National Park (TNUK) in Banten, Indonesia.

According to Prof. Harini Muntasib, a conservation expert from IPB University, Javan rhinos once roamed widely across Southeast Asia—from Assam (India), Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, to Vietnam.

“But now, the population present in TNUK is the only one in the world. This is a point of pride, as well as a significant responsibility for Indonesia,” said Harini on July 30, 2025.

This article was previously published on Tribunnews.com titled 'Anticipating the Anak Krakatau Tsunami, Government Prepares New Habitat for the Javan Rhino in Alas Purwo'