Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Forestry, has officially initiated Operation Merah Putih – a major translocation effort aimed at saving the critically endangered Javan rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus), a species endemic to Indonesia.
The kickoff meeting, led by Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni, was attended by representatives from the Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE), the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian Rhino Foundation (YABI), and both national and international conservation partners.
Currently restricted to Ujung Kulon National Park, the Javan rhino population remains extremely limited. Scientific studies warn that without serious intervention, the species could face extinction within 50 years due to low genetic diversity, inbreeding, and habitat limitations.
Minister Raja Juli Antoni emphasized the collective moral, social, and political responsibility to ensure that future generations can continue to witness the existence of the Javan rhino for centuries to come. He highlighted that the operation reflects the true spirit of independence—ensuring wildlife like the rhino remains free and protected in nature.
TNI Deputy Assistant for Operations, Air Marshal Muhammad Taufiq Arasj, confirmed the military’s full support by providing security, logistics, and maritime transportation, particularly utilizing Marine Corps assets. The Armed Forces expressed pride in contributing to the conservation effort.
Jansen Manansang, Chairperson and Executive Director of YABI, described the operation as a new hopeful chapter for the species. YABI pledges to maintain cross-sector collaboration, scientific approaches, and expert medical support to sustain the conservation work.
Director General of KSDAE Satyawan Pudyatmoko reported comprehensive preparations, including: establishing the Javan Rhino Study and Conservation Area (JRSCA) for rhino relocation, selecting rhinos based on genetic diversity to prevent inbreeding, surveying movement routes and safe capture sites, assessing transport routes, conducting field simulations, finalizing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and preparing ethical guidelines in consultation with experts.
By commencing Operation Merah Putih, the government hopes to secure a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for the Javan rhino population. (*)
