Jakarta, IO – The trekking routes on the Ujung Kulon peninsula, Banten, is officially closed to public starting November 1 until further notice in a bid to restore the ecosystem as well as protect the habitat of the one-horned Javan rhinoceros that has been included in the critically endangered category according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).
The endemic species is also listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) because its population are at risk of extinction.
Head of Ujung Kulon National Park Agency Ardi Andoni said since 2010 rhino activity has rarely been observed on tourist routes as they are thought to have migrated to safer areas.
“The Javan rhino’s habitat is only limited to the Ujung Kulon peninsula,” he said, per CNNIndonesia, Wednesday (24/10). After the closure, the area is only accessible to researchers. This aims to minimize human activities in the one-horned rhino’s natural habitat.
Ujung Kulon National Park (TNUK) is the last surviving habitat for one-horned rhinos in the world, its area reaches 105,694.46 Ha. The Javan rhino is also classified as a protected animal species based on the Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation.
List of closed off tourist routes in Ujung Kulon National Park:
a. Trekking routes throughout the Ujung Kulon peninsula and Cilintang – Karang Ranjang – Kalejetan – Legon Pakis.
b. Pilgrimage to Sanghyang Sirah is permitted only via Bidur
Meanwhile, limited trekking and nature tourism activities can still be carried out at a number of locations
1. Peucang Island (trekking and water tourism).
2. Handeleum Islands (water tourism).
3. Panaitan Island, including:
– Legon Butun – Legon Bajo – Ciharashas trekking route.
– Legon Butun Route – Karang Masjid – Karang Jajar – Legon Bajo – Legon Butun trekking route.
– Citambuyung – Mount Raksa climbing route.
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4. Mount Honje, including:
– Ciguha Cave Trail.
– Cicegog River Trail.
– Cikawung Waterfall Route.
– Dengdeng Waterfall Route.
– Batususuan Waterfall Route.
– Cihangasa Waterfall Route.
– Cibiuk Hot Springs Route.
– Cisaat Hot Springs Route.
– Ciburuluk Waterfall Route.
– Mount Honje Peak Climbing Route.
– Mount Tilu pilgrimage.
– Paniisan pilgrimage. (at)