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WALHI: Careful Review Needed for Javan Rhinoceros Relocation to Alas Purwo National Park

15 November 2026, 16:14 WIB

Febrianto Adi Saputro,

Jessi Carina

Tim Redaksi

Febrianto Adi Saputro

Writer

Jessi Carina

Editor

This article was translated by AI. Read the original article on Kompas.com. See Original

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A Javan Rhino(Dok. TNUK)

Writer Febrianto Adi Saputro

Editor Jessi Carina

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (WALHI) believes that the proposal to relocate the Javan rhinoceros to Alas Purwo National Park requires in-depth study.

"The idea of moving the Javan rhinoceros from Ujung Kulon National Park to Alas Purwo is not trivial and must be examined very carefully," said Umi Marufah, WALHI’s National Executive for Forest and Garden Campaign, to Kompas.com on Sunday (15/11/2026).

Umi questioned the rationale behind relocating the rhinos, citing the potential tsunami risk from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.

Baca juga: WWF Calls for Study on Alas Purwo Before it Becomes a New Habitat for Javan Rhinos

According to her, moving endemic wildlife that has lived in its natural habitat poses a new threat to the survival of these rhinos.

"The Javan rhino has long thrived in this region and has survived various natural dynamics, including the major eruption of Krakatau in 1883,"

WALHI urges the government to transparently explain the urgency and scientific basis behind this relocation plan.

WALHI also highlights concerns that this relocation proposal may be linked to potential gold mining projects in Ujung Kulon, which have been hindered by its status as a national park.

Baca juga: WWF Reminds Government Not to Rush the Relocation of Javan Rhinos to Alas Purwo

Nevertheless, WALHI insists that these allegations require further confirmation.

"We cannot confirm this yet as it requires further investigation and research," she stated.

Umi stressed that regardless of the reasons presented, WALHI opposes the relocation of the Javan rhino from its natural habitat without solid scientific basis and transparent ecological assessments.

The government should focus on protecting habitats, strengthening conservation efforts, and addressing various threats to the Javan rhino population, rather than taking actions that could further push this rare species towards extinction.

Baca juga: Plan to Relocate Javan Rhinos from Ujung Kulon to Alas Purwo, Ministry of Environment: Still a Proposal

Government Plans to Move Ujung Kulon Rhinos to Alas Purwo

Previously, the government announced plans to relocate several Javan rhinos from Ujung Kulon National Park, Banten, to Alas Purwo National Park, East Java.

The Presidential Special Envoy for Climate and Energy, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, stated that this plan is aimed at ensuring the survival of the Javan rhino population from tsunami threats due to the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait.

"Due to new problems with Mount Anak Krakatau, the center is threatened. If a tsunami occurs from an earthquake or volcanic eruption, our Javan rhinos could become extinct. Thus, there is an idea to move some Javan rhinos to Alas Purwo,” Hashim remarked during an interview at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey, on Thursday (12/11/2026), as reported by Tribunnews.com.

Baca juga: Pandeglang Deputy Regent Rejects Plan to Move Javan Rhinos to Alas Purwo

Hashim reiterated that the relocation of Javan rhinos to Alas Purwo is still merely an idea.

The government needs to assess the habitat suitability, the health status of the animals, and the readiness of the destination area before carrying out the relocation plan.

Additionally, moving wildlife from Banten to East Java will also require significant funding.

Thus, the government is opening opportunities for the involvement of institutions and international donors to support the development of new habitats.