Interview with an RPU – Tisno Protects Javan Rhinos for Future Generations

Tisno joined the RPUs in Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP) in Java in 2006. He wanted to protect Javan rhinos and their habitat and has been doing so for 16 years. “The Javan rhino is a living fossil,” he explains. “We want to protect them so our children and grandchildren can continue to see them...

Interview with an RPU – Jajat, a Third Generation Javan Rhino Protector

Jajat Sudrajat became a member of the first Rhino Protection Units established to patrol Ujung Kulon National Park (UKNP) in Java in 1998. UKNP is the last remaining habitat for the critically endangered Javan rhino, and thanks to the RPUs, there has not been a poaching incident in more than 20 years in the park....

Interview with an RPU – Bambang’s Direct Rhino Sightings

Bambang Meiyono joined the RPUs in Way Kambas National Park in Sumatra in 2000. He applied because he needed a job at the time, but after 20 years of service, he has come to realize how special it is to be an RPU member. He enjoys all of the activities of the RPUs, but his...

Interview with an RPU – Nur’s Commitment to Sumatran Rhinos

Nur Basuki has 16 years of service with the RPUs in Way Kambas National Park in Sumatra. He enjoys outdoor activity and wildlife and was happy to be selected from many applicants to join the RPUs in 2004. “Every patrol is interesting,” he says. “I enjoy seeing all of the wildlife like the Sumatran rhino,...

Interview with an RPU – Fadil Proudly Patrols Way Kambas

Fadil Kurniawan wanted to work in rhino conservation and had the opportunity to join the RPUs in Way Kambas National Park in Sumatra 3.5 years ago. Located in southeast Sumatra, Way Kambas is one of the last protected localities where habitats such as lowland rain forest, freshwater non-peat swamp, and mangrove swamp can be found....

Celebrating 25 Years of Rhino Protection in Indonesia

Facing habitat loss, encroachment by humans, and poaching for their horns, something had to be done to protect Indonesia’s two species of rhinos (Javan and Sumatran) from disappearing. On August 31 in 1995, the line was drawn and the first Rhino Protection Units were formed to guard rhinos and other wildlife from poaching threats. There...

Interview with an RPU – Marsum’s 22 Years of Service in BBS

Marsum patrols Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park in Sumatra and has been with the RPUs for 22 years. “It was my dream to a member of the RPU,” he says. Over his many years of service, Marsum has been thrilled to see many endangered species, including the Sumatran rhino while out on patrol. “In addition...

Interview with an RPU – Usman’s Close Call in BBS

Usman Hadi has been with the RPUs in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park in Sumatra for 5 years. “I know that not everyone can join as RPU members,” he says. We face many steps and rules before becoming members, and I can honestly say that a member of the RPU is the best person for...

25 Years of Protecting Indonesia’s Rhinos -Interview with RPU Sinyo

2020 marks the 25th anniversary of the Rhino Protection Units (RPUs). The RPU program was established on August 31,1995 and is the frontline protection for Indonesia’s critically endangered rhinos in Java and Sumatra. IRF conducted interviews in the field of RPU members and will be posting a series to the blog to mark the milestone....

Celebrating the People Protecting Rhinos

Today is World Ranger Day. IRF is celebrating the men and women who protect rhinos starting today and throughout August which is the 25th Anniversary of the Indonesian Rhino Protection Units (RPUs). Tune in for stories, shoutouts from the field and other content all month long. One day just doesn't seem enough. Every day, rangers...