By: Eka Gona Putri (Corporate Communication Officer) & Natalia Trita Agnika

The Javan rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus) is a flagship species whose existence is threatened (critically endangered). Currently, 67 individual Javan Rhinos live on the Ujung Kulon Peninsula within the Ujung Kulon National Park (TNUK). For more than 50 years, WWF-Indonesia in Ujung Kulon has conducted various conservation programs to maintain its sustainability through synergy with various parties.

One of the synergies in Javan Rhino conservation efforts is with Hino Indonesia. During a direct visit to the Javan Rhino's native habitat in Ujung Kulon on March 29-30, 2018, Hino Indonesia representatives handed over 15 camera traps to support research on Javan Rhinos in Ujung Kulon.

Representatives of Hino Indonesia received a direct explanation by drh. Kurnia Oktavia Khairani, Project Leader Ujung Kulon about the current condition of Javan Rhinos and various conservation efforts that have been carried out by WWF-Indonesia to maintain their sustainability. In the period of 1929-2012, 15 rhinos were found dead not because of poaching but allegedly due to disease transmission. Rhino conservation is also threatened by the presence of langkap (Arenga obtusifolia) plants that cover the rhino's food source plants, habitat competition with banteng, and inbreeding depression or inbreeding which will reduce the quality and genetic diversity so that it will be vulnerable to disease.

"We really welcome the support of PT Hino Motors Manufacturing Indonesia (HMMI) in our Javan Rhino research by providing 15 units of camera trap. With the various supports we receive, we are confident that we can provide the best solution for saving the Javan Rhino. We also hope that the good cooperation will not end here because we still need support from Hino Indonesia and various other partners, especially in the support of technological devices that will greatly help us in monitoring and research, "said Suhandri, Director of the Sumatra and Ujung Kulon Program.

President Director of PT Hino Motors Manufacturing Indonesia (HMMI) Kazushi Ehara expressed his company's commitment to environmental and animal preservation. "Hino Indonesia always supports efforts to protect the environment, forest conservation, and rare animals such as the Javan Rhino in Ujung Kulon. Previously, we also supported marine restoration through coral reef planting program around Badul Island, Ujung Kulon. I hope this cooperation can be maintained and improved in the future," he said.

On this occasion, representatives from Hino Indonesia also conducted coral reef monitoring on Badul Island. In previous collaboration with WWF-Indonesia, Hino Indonesia has provided support to the "Revive the Reef" program. This program has helped the local community to find other sources of livelihood thus reducing pressure on the Javan Rhino habitat forest.