The figures were revealed by Satyawan Pudyatmoko, Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation at Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry, during the commemoration of World Rhino Day 2025 in Jakarta on Monday.
"For the Javan rhinoceros, our current population estimate is between 87 and 100 individuals, and we are certain the number is under 100," he said.
Similarly, the Sumatran rhinoceros population is estimated at below 100, concentrated in Sumatra's protected areas, with a few surviving in Kalimantan, he added.
Pudyatmoko noted that Indonesia's native rhino species, both listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, face multiple challenges beyond poaching. Habitat fragmentation and the risk of inbreeding also threaten their long-term survival, he explained.
The ministry is pursuing various efforts to boost the population of the endangered Javan rhino, which survives only in Ujung Kulon National Park, Banten.
As part of the Merah Putih Operation launched in early September, the ministry has teamed up with the Defense Forces and the Indonesian Rhino Foundation (YABI) to relocate Javan rhinos from the Ujung Kulon Peninsula to the Javan Rhino Study and Conservation Area (JRSCA), still within the park.
The ministry has also collaborated with IPB University to develop a biobank and apply assisted reproductive technology (ART) to support population growth.
For the Sumatran rhinoceros, Pudyatmoko said the ministry is preparing to relocate the only surviving rhino in Kalimantan's wilderness, named Pari, to an in-situ conservation area. Previously, a rhino named Pahu had been secured at the Kelian Rhino Sanctuary (SBK) in East Kalimantan.
"We will also be rescuing the Sumatran rhinoceros in Aceh, which is outside the Gunung Leuser National Park," he added.
Related news: Indonesia to relocate last wild Bornean rhino for survival
Related news: Ministry claims Indonesia sole guardian of Javan rhinos
Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
