Jakarta May 19, 2017. Sumatran Rhino populations in both Sumatra and Kalimantan that have continued to decline drastically in recent decades have triggered many parties to take immediate action to save them. Based on these concerns, experts have met and discussed Sumatran Rhino conservation strategies in the Sumatran Rhino Crisis Summit forum in April 2013. Following up on this, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (Ministry of LHK) held an international workshop on "Capture and Translocation of Sumatran Rhino to Support the Conservation of Sumatran Rhino in Indonesia" which was held at the Aviary Hotel, Bintaro, Jakarta on May 17-19, 2017.

The purpose of this workshop is to gain understanding and views from stakeholders on the situation of Sumatran Rhino conditions, especially small, isolated or doomed populations such as in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Lampung, and West Kutai, East Kalimantan.

Acting Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KSDAE) Dr. Ir. Bambang Hendroyono said, "The government will focus rhino conservation on improving reproduction, along with habitat security efforts". Bambang continued, "The Indonesian government has conducted studies for the transfer of both Javan Rhinos, and Sumatran Rhinos to safer habitats to avoid the extinction of the Dicerorhinus genera and Rhinoceros sondaicus species."

Spokesperson for the Rhino Joint Secretariat -Indonesia, Noviar Andyani Ph.D said, "It is important for stakeholders through this workshop to agree on strategic actions that must be taken immediately to save the remaining Sumatran Rhinos, especially in East Kalimantan, Aceh and Lampung". Noviar continued, "It is hoped that the Government can issue strategic policies that support the recommendations from the results of this workshop". The Indonesian Rhino Secretariat also calls on other parties both nationally and internationally, such as the private sector and others, to support the conservation of Sumatran rhinos both financially and logistically, because the transfer and construction of rhino sanctuaries requires very high costs and cooperation of all parties.

The workshop was attended by Indonesian Rhino conservation experts and activists, such as IRF, WCS, WWF, West Kutai District Government, East Kalimantan Provincial Government, Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Way Kambas National Park, Leuser National Park, Mulawarman University, University of Indonesia, YABI, Alerts, TSI, LIPI, TFCA, BORA, IZW Berlin, Taronga Zoo Australia, IUCN Asia, Geolife Germany, White Oak Conservation, and KEHATI Foundation.

In this workshop, it is expected to agree on Standard Procedures, Procedures (SOP) for the capture and transfer of rhinos, then form a Sumatran rhino rescue task force unit with strengthened legality from the President of Indonesia (InPres). This SOP is very important in order to minimize the risk when rhinos are captured and moved. Joining the Indonesian Rhino Secretariat are institutions engaged in saving Indonesian Rhinos such as; WWF-Indonesia, WCS, YABI, Alert, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Mulawarman University, IPB, LIPI and others.

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For more information, please contact;
Yuyun Kurniawan, Rhino Conservation Coordinator WWF-Indonesia
Email: ykurniawan@wwf.id; HP: 0811 1220 066

Dr. Noviar Andayani, Spokesperson of Indonesian Rhino Secretariat
Email: nandayani@wcs.org; HP: 08111118891

Email: ykurniawan@wwf.id; HP: 0811 1220 066

Dr. Noviar Andayani, Spokesperson of the Indonesian Rhino Secretariat
Email: nandayani@wcs.org; HP: 08111118891