Serang, Banten (6/12) - WWF-Indonesia in collaboration with Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa University (UNTIRTA) Serang, Banten held a book discussion on "Indonesian Rhino Conservation Techniques" at the UNTIRTA Student Activity Center Hall, Serang. This book discussion was also the opening event in the series of Banten Rhino Fair for Nusantara 2013 organized by MAPALAUT (Student Nature Explorer of Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa University).

The book discussion was attended by the Head of Forestry and Plantation Department of Banten Province, Ir. H. Suyitno, MM, as the resource person and representative of the Deputy Governor of Banten Province, Prof. Dr. Ir. Hadi Alikodra, Professor of Wildlife Management IPB and Senior Advisor WWF Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Ir. Kartina AM., MP, Professor of Faculty of Agriculture UNTIRTA, and Hasbullah UNTIRTA student representative. Also present were the Head of Ujung Kulon National Park, Dr. Ir. Moh. Haryono, MSi., along with representatives of the Banten Regional Government, representatives of universities throughout Indonesia, and other rhino conservation organizations.

The event, which was attended by around 100 students from 16 other universities throughout Indonesia and 9 high schools in Serang City, was moderated by the Director of WWF Indonesia, Anwar Purwoto, Director of the Sumatra and Kalimantan Program of WWF-Indonesia. In this discussion, Prof. Hadi Alikodra, invited students to be more active in conducting research on Javan Rhinos. "The research area on Javan Rhino is still wide open, there are still many things that still need to be scientifically revealed about the Javan Rhino, and this is a very wide opportunity for students," said Prof. Hadi Alikodra, who is also one of the main authors of this book. "This book is very important for the world of rhino conservation in Indonesia and can provide a good reference, considering that the rhino population is now increasingly worrying," he continued.

"This Rhino Conservation Book is expected to be one of the media to disseminate information on Javan rhino (Rhinocerous sondaicus) conservation to the public, policy makers (executives), legislators and academics so that rhino conservation programs receive support and commitment from many parties, and encourage better and consistent cooperation in efforts to save rhinos in Indonesia," said Prof. Kartina.