Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — Indonesia’s commitment to protecting endangered wildlife has once again earned global recognition. Ujung Kulon National Park (TNUK) has received the prestigious Asia Environmental Enforcement Recognition of Excellence (AEEE) 2024–2025, organized by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) on Friday, October 17, 2025.
The award was granted to TNUK for its outstanding achievement in environmental law enforcement, particularly in handling Javan Rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus) poaching cases — an endemic species now surviving only in the protected area of Ujung Kulon, Banten.
The award ceremony was held virtually from the Center of Intelligence Room, Directorate General of Environmental Law Enforcement (Gakkum) at the Ministry of Forestry, Manggala Wanabakti Building, Jakarta. Rasio Ridho Sani, Deputy Minister for Pollution and Environmental Damage Control, represented Indonesia during the ceremony.
TNUK received recognition in the “IMPACT” category for the remarkable work of its Operations Task Force in uncovering and prosecuting wildlife poaching cases within the conservation area.
Ardi Andono, Head of Ujung Kulon National Park, expressed his pride and gratitude for this achievement.
“This award is the result of the hard work of all TNUK personnel, with the support of the Directorate General of Law Enforcement, the National Police, the Indonesian Armed Forces, the Attorney General’s Office, and the local community. It motivates us to strengthen vigilance and enhance protection for all wildlife species, especially the Javan Rhino,” he stated.
The AEEE is a regional-level award initiated by UNEP in collaboration with leading international organizations, including:
- INTERPOL
- Secretariat of the Basel Convention
- Secretariat of the CITES Convention
- Secretariat of the Minamata Convention
- Ozone Secretariat (Vienna & Montreal Protocol)
- UNDP
- UNODC
- World Bank Global Wildlife Programme
- World Customs Organization (WCO)
The ceremony was opened by Ivonne Higuero, Secretary-General of CITES, and moderated by Sallie Yang from UNEP. This year’s award recipients came from countries such as Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, India, Shanghai, and Singapore.
The success of TNUK strengthens Indonesia’s position as a key player in global biodiversity protection. It also demonstrates that firm and collaborative environmental law enforcement can yield positive ecological and social impacts.
Ujung Kulon National Park is known as the last stronghold of the Javan Rhino, one of the world’s rarest mammals, with an estimated population of fewer than 80 individuals. Through intensive protection, integrated patrols, and active community engagement, the park has become a living example of how conservation can go hand in hand with law enforcement and local welfare.
“This award is not the end of our struggle, but the beginning of a greater responsibility to safeguard Indonesia’s natural heritage for future generations,” concluded Ardi Andono. (*)
