Friends of Rhino Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving the Javan Rhino, a rare species found only in Ujung Kulon National Park, Banten, Indonesia.

The Javan Rhino is one of the five remaining rhino species in the world, and currently, it is critically endangered, with an estimated population of only around 75 individuals. Habitat loss, poaching, and natural disasters are major threats to the survival of the Javan Rhino in the wild.

Organization Profile of Friends of Rhino

Organization Name: Friends of Rhino Foundation
Type of Organization: Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)
Founded: 2016
Location: Jl Jendral Soedirman No 290 Labuan, Pandeglang Regency, Banten Province, Indonesia

Vision:

To encourage the involvement of stakeholders in global rhino conservation efforts, while also improving the sustainable welfare of communities living around rhino habitats.

Key Programs and Activities

To support the success of its initiatives, Friends Of Rhino has established several divisions:

Secretarial and Stakeholders Relations Division
Collaborative management with central government, local government, private sector, academia, NGOs (domestic and international), businesses, and others.
Rhino Conservation Division

- Habitat management
- Conservation education
- Seminars and workshops
- Fundraising for:
  - Procurement of personal equipment for rhino teams
  - Field equipment

Community Development Division

- Capacity building for local communities
- Community empowerment through special-interest tourism/ecotourism (e.g., Rhino Ranger Tour – limited participants)
- Local guide training

Partnership

- Ujung Kulon National Park
- FK3I (Forum Komunikasi Kader Konservasi Indonesia)

Challenges Faced

Despite the significant progress made, FoRU and its partners continue to face major challenges in the conservation of the Javan Rhino. Some of these include:

Natural Disaster Threats: Mount Anak Krakatau, located near Ujung Kulon, and other potential natural disasters such as tsunamis or volcanic eruptions, pose a threat to the survival of the Javan Rhino.
Poaching: Despite increased patrols by the government and FoRU, illegal poaching for rhino body parts remains a serious threat.
Habitat Fragmentation: Growing human settlements and climate change may lead to habitat loss, which can isolate Javan Rhino populations.

Future Hopes

Friends of Rhino Ujung Kulon hopes to continue contributing to the conservation of the Javan Rhino with more innovative and inclusive approaches. The organization is committed to strengthening collaborations between various parties and increasing support from the public and donors to achieve more effective and sustainable conservation in the future.

With solid cooperation and ongoing dedication, FoRU believes that the Javan Rhino can continue to survive and serve as a symbol of successful conservation efforts in Indonesia.