Oleh: Annisa Ruzuar

Ujung Kulon, Banten – The weekend of 24th June is a special weekend for Ujung Kulon as it hosted “Run Rhino Run: Fun Nature Tracking 10K”. More than 200 runners ran the trail for Javan rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus) with 50 of them were selected from online competition as part of WWF-Indonesia’s 50 years anniversary. Ujung Kulon is a special location as the organization started its conservation work there back in 1962.

Aside from being part of WWF-Indonesia’s golden anniversary, “Run Rhino Run” is in line with International Year of Rhino declared by President Dr. H. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, on 5th June 2012. Indonesia is an important country for rhino conservation in the world as two of rhino species, Javan rhino and Sumatran rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis). Both listed as critically endangered by world conservation body IUCN.

Javan Rhino is the rarest rhino species among five rhino species in the world with an estimation of 50 individuals in Ujung Kulon National Park, Banten Province. Unlike other species which can be found in the zoo or ex-situ conservation areas, Javan rhino only lives in its natural habitat with a low fertility rate.

“I really appreciate ‘Run Rhino Run’ held in Ujung Kulon National Park’s buffer zone, and I hope this event can promote Javan rhino conservation awareness to general public. I hope Ujung Kulon will host this event again in the future,” said Dr. Ir. Mohamad Haryono M.Si, Chief of Ujung Kulon National Park Authority.

WWF-Indonesia and Indo Runners community organized “Run Rhino Run” with support from PT. Sinde Budi Sentosa and Samsung. As much as 215 runners participate in Run Rhino Run. Besides 50 selected runners, 165 runners are local community, representatives from Ministry of Forest, Banten Provincial Government as well as Ujung Kulon National Park Authority.

“WWF would like to spread the message to people who lives in the surrounding of Ujung Kulon National Park; they are not alone in their effort to protect Javan rhino as part of world heritage. As we can see today, great enthusiasm showed by the participants imply great support from public for Javan rhino conservation,” said Dr. Efransjah, CEO of WWF-Indonesia.

Great enthusiasm shown by participants throughout the event, “I have never run in location like this” said Tyas Fadillah one of 50 selected runners. “Along the way, I saw enthusiasm in other runners faces as the run through the beautiful track, along the farms, beach with Honje Mountain in as the background. I personally felt more responsible to preserve such gem like Ujung Kulon”.

Even though most of the runners were not professional runners, the 10 K track offered by “Run Rhino Run” is feasible to beat with majority of 10 first runners came from local community. “Today’s event ran smoothly with all participants reached finish line. I am very happy to hear lots of participants—local runners as well—wishes this event can be a regular one,” said Yasha Chatab from Indo Runners.

Representatives from PT. Sinde Budi Sentosa as major sponsor of the event finished the track, “The uphill track on the first half of the track is quite tough to beat, especially with the wet path. Yet the beauty of Ujung Kulon nature paid it offs. I believe the buffer zone has a lot to offer as eco-tourism site” said Benny Husodo.

As shown by tired yet enthusiastic faces, more than 200 runners share similar spirit, to run for Javan rhino!
 
Annisa Ruzuar is Communication Officer for Forest Fresh Water and Species Program