Balikpapan - The discovery of signs of rhinos in Kalimantan in early 2013 has become an important momentum for rhino conservation in Indonesia and the world. This is a hopeful sign amidst predictions of a declining rhino population in the world.

In recent decades, many people believed that rhinos on the island of Borneo were extinct. Rhinos are actually often present in folklore, especially the Dayak people who live in Kalimantan. Likewise, there are community members who have had rhino organs for a long time.

A joint survey conducted by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK); the Regional Government of West Kutai and Mahakam Ulu Districts, Mulawarman University (Unmul), the Indonesian Rhino Foundation (YABI), and WWF Indonesia at the end of 2013 and early 2014 succeeded in recording the presence of rhinos through camera traps.

Since then, the protection of the rhino population in Kalimantan has become a serious concern. The meeting in Balikpapan on September 21-22, 2015, entitled 'National Meeting of Parties for Rhino Conservation Efforts in Kalimantan and Development of Rhino Conservation Strategy in Kalimantan' aimed to initiate concrete steps to conserve the rhino population identified in West Kutai. In addition, the meeting will also develop a rhino conservation strategy in Kalimantan as an integral part of the National Rhino Conservation Strategy 2007-2017.

Dr. Ir. Tachrir Fatoni MSc, Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation of MoEF, reminded that of the 5 rhino species in the world, two of them live in Indonesia, namely the Javan Rhino (Rhinocerus sondaicus) and the Sumatran Rhino (Dicerhorinus sumatrensis). "Both species are now only left in Indonesia. This is a pride, challenge and responsibility for all of us," said Dr. Ir. Tachrir Fatoni MSc. "It takes commitment and participation of the parties present at this meeting to jointly carry out conservation efforts for the preservation of the two species of rhinos."

The Regent of West Kutai, Ismael Thomas, issued a circular letter and appeal to the community and the ranks of the Regency government to assist in efforts to save rhinos in West Kutai. "I welcome this meeting and hope to grow sustainable cooperation from the parties present to preserve rhinos in Kalimantan, especially in West Kutai," said Ismael Thomas. The existence of rhinos in West Kutai is also the pride of the community, especially the people in Kampung Besiq, who have always actively supported rhino conservation efforts in Kalimantan. This brings new hope that rhinos will always be a part of people's lives in Kalimantan.

The results of WWF Indonesia's survey in the Hulu Mahakam landscape, rhino habitat was identified in the production forest area, so it is feared that its existence is threatened by land use practices that do not pay attention to the rules of protection of wildlife habitat. "WWF believes that the active role of concession holders through the application of conservation principles and sustainable principles is one of the keys to realizing environmental sustainability and rhino conservation in particular," said Dr. Arnold Sitompul, Director of Conservation of WWF Indonesia.

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Note to Editor:
1. The National Meeting of Parties for Rhino Conservation Efforts in Kalimantan and the Development of Rhino Conservation Strategy in Kalimantan which took place at Grand Senyiur Hotel Balikpapan, September 21 - 22, 2015 was a collaboration of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, East Kalimantan Provincial Government, West Kutai District Government and WWF Indonesia.

2. Rhino Conservation Strategy and Action Plan 2007 - 2017 can be accessed through: http://issuu.com/dikyainur/docs/strategy___action_plan_for_the_cons?e=9333920/4850577

3. Camera trap footage in 2013 as evidence of rhino presence in Borneo can be accessed via: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUrwUBujGpo

4. September 22 is annually celebrated as World Rhino Day. 4.

For more information, please contact:

Yuyun Kurniawan, Forest Management Coordinator Sumatra - Borneo,WWF-Indonesia
Email: ykurniawan@wwf.or.id, Hp: 08126896095

Ujang Rachmad, Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK)
Phone: 081212817058

Benny, Head of West Kutai Regency Forestry Service
Phone: 085250674348