Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – In an effort to conserve the Javan rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus), the Ministry of Forestry, through the Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE), is planning the translocation of selected individuals to a designated sanctuary, the Javan Rhino Study and Conservation Area (JRSCA).
This initiative is being carried out with support from the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL), the Indonesian Rhino Foundation (YABI), and several other conservation partners.
KSDAE Director General Satyawan Pudyatmoko explained the necessity of translocating Javan rhinos. One of the main purposes is to support a breeding program aimed at enhancing the genetic diversity of the rhino population.
“There are indications of a decline in genetic variety within the wild Javan rhino population. Translocation to the JRSCA can help prevent inbreeding and strengthen the genetic resilience of the species,” he said in an official statement released on Monday (May 3, 2025).
The planned translocation will move rhinos from their natural habitat on the Ujung Kulon Peninsula to the JRSCA in Ujungjaya Village, Pandeglang Regency. Both locations are within Ujung Kulon National Park and are approximately 14 kilometers apart, separated by sea.
To prepare for the process, the 1st Marine Amphibious Artillery Transport Vehicle Battalion (Yonkapa) conducted a simulation using the Kapa K-61 amphibious armored vehicle in Jakarta on Wednesday (May 28) to test its ability to transport the rhino enclosure across the sea.
“This simulation is crucial to ensure that the translocation process is safe and minimizes risk, especially given the considerable sea-crossing distance,” said Satyawan.
He added that the involvement of the Marine Corps in protecting endangered species is also a strategic cross-sector collaboration.
Responding to this, Commander of the 1st Yonkapa Marine Battalion, Major (Marine) Bayhaky C. Chipta, stated that this activity is also part of the Navy’s preparedness to assist in wildlife evacuation during natural disasters such as tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, or forest fires.
The Kapa K-61 vehicle was tested for its ability to transport enclosures with a focus on safety, stability, and efficient mobility both at sea and on land.
The transport enclosure used in the simulation was specially designed to meet animal safety and comfort standards, equipped with a ventilation system and shock-absorbing supports. The enclosure weighs about 1 ton, while the simulated Javan rhino weighs approximately 1.6 tons.
The simulation demonstrated that the Kapa K-61 amphibious vehicle is highly suitable for Javan rhino translocation, offering renewed hope for the conservation of this rare species in a safer and more controlled environment. (*)
