Strengthening Javan Rhino Protection: Indonesia's First Permanent K9 Anti-Poaching Unit Officially Operational

Efforts to protect the Javan rhino (Rhinoceros sondaicus) in Ujung Kulon National Park (TNUK) have entered a new phase. The TNUK team, in collaboration with the Indonesian Wildlife Network Foundation (JSI-JAAN), has officially launched the K9 Anti-Poaching Unit as the frontline defence against illegal hunting in the area.

The introduction of this tracking dog unit represents a new chapter in the nation’s conservation efforts, as it is Indonesia’s first permanent forest security unit.

As a promising pilot project, the unit is expected to optimise comprehensive security across the area to ensure the wild Javan rhino population can survive and continue to grow.

Although newly formed and undergoing intensive training since October 2025, the effectiveness of the K9 Anti-Poaching Unit has been proven in the field.

To date, the team has successfully identified at least 21 violations within the TNUK forest. These findings include the installation of snares and remnants of old pole-sized logging that threaten wildlife habitats.

This success is inseparable from the exceptional capabilities of the unit’s personnel, who hold international certifications. In its operations, the K9 unit moves swiftly alongside the Quick Reaction Team (TRC) to address every violation discovered in the forest area.

To maintain the sharpness of instincts and tactical abilities, the unit’s capacity is enhanced continuously.

TNUK regularly brings in professional trainers from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to provide globally standardised training.

In addition to international support, this security effort is strengthened through synergy with law enforcement authorities from the TNI and POLRI. This cross-sector collaboration is crucial, given TNUK’s implementation of a Zero Poachers policy to protect the UNESCO-recognised world heritage site.

Ujung Kulon National Park, located at the westernmost tip of Java Island, covers an area of approximately 122,956 hectares. Currently, it is estimated that around 50 to 60 Javan rhinos live in this last habitat.

With the K9 Anti-Poaching Unit in place, mitigation measures against wildlife poaching threats are expected to become far more effective and measurable.

The presence of these tracking dogs is hoped to overcome personnel limitations in accessing hard-to-reach vulnerable points.