Young generation of Indonesia, among others high school students, have shown their care on conservation of protected wildlife in Indonesia, namely the Sumatran rhinoceros and the Javan rhinoceros. As it is known, the two rhinos, the Sumatran rhinoceros and the Javan rhinoceros, which are currently only found in Indonesia, are categorized by IUCN World Organization as critically endanger or almost extinct. In the world today the number of Sumatran rhinos is less than 100 and only exists mostly in Sumatra and very small in East Kalimantan.
On December 18, 2018, the students of SMAN 86 (Government High School) Jakarta, visited YABI Bogor office. The purpose of the visit was to convey donations from their school activities to YABI for the Indonesian rhinoceros conservation program. On that occasion Mr. Kurnia Rauf, representing the Director of YABI gave a presentation on:
- The condition of critical Sumatran rhinoceros, where the population is very small due to rhino hunting and encroachment that occurs in rhino habitat including Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park and Way Kambas National Park.
- Breeding of Sumatran rhinos semi in-situ in the SRS (Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary) Way Kambas National Park, Lampung. At present YABI has produced two rhinos from the breeding of the Andalas Rhinoceros and the Ratu Rhino named Andatu (6 years) and Delilah (2 years).
- Indonesian Rhino Foundation (YABI). YABI program has been protecting and preserving Indonesian rhinos since 1995. Rhino protection activities are carried out by establishment of the Rhino Protection Unit (RPU) located in Way Kambas National Park, Bukit Barisan Selatan NP and Ujung Kulon NP.
In October 2018, SMAN (Government High School) 86 Jakarta carried out an art and sports activity to compete for the trophy. The Sumatran rhino is used as the logo of the activity of SMAN 86 Jakarta. At that event the students conducted sports and arts activities and they also raised funds for the preservation of rhinos in Indonesia.
At the end of the visit, YABI management gave certificate of gratitude for the donation of the SMAN 86 Jakarta and also gave souvenirs and information booklets about the Indonesian rhinos. (RE, SM,DA)
Penulis : Riskan Efendi