History of Ujung Kulon National Park

The history of Ujung Kulon National Park traces back to the Dutch colonial era. In 1846, the area was first introduced by a German botanist, Friedrich Franz Wilhelm Junghuhn, who was collecting tropical plants. His work highlighted the region’s rich biodiversity and ecological significance.

relokasi badak jawa
Sumber; Rhino Resource Center

In the early 20th century, the Dutch government recognized the ecological value of Ujung Kulon and designated it as a nature reserve. The establishment aimed to protect the unique flora and fauna, particularly the Javan rhino, which faced the threat of extinction.

Following Indonesia’s independence in 1945, the area was declared a national park in 1992, further emphasizing conservation efforts. The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, acknowledging its global ecological importance and promoting conservation initiatives.

Today, Ujung Kulon National Park continues to be a vital sanctuary for wildlife and is a focal point for conservation efforts in Indonesia, attracting researchers and ecotourists alike. The park’s ongoing management aims to balance ecological preservation with sustainable tourism.

History of Ujung Kulon National Park

The rich flora and fauna of Ujung Kulon began to gain recognition among researchers during the Dutch colonial period. Friedrich Franz Wilhelm Junghuhn’s explorations in 1846 were among the first to document the area. However, there were limited records until the catastrophic eruption of Krakatoa in 1883.

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The eruption generated a tsunami with waves reaching approximately 15 meters, devastating not only local settlements but also the wildlife and vegetation of Ujung Kulon. Despite this destruction, the ecosystem and wildlife rebounded remarkably in the following years.

Development of Protected Areas

The history of Ujung Kulon’s conservation is marked by several key designations:

1921

Based on recommendations from the Netherlands Indies Society for the Protection of Nature, the Dutch colonial government designated the Ujung Kulon Peninsula and Panaitan Island as a nature reserve through Government Regulation No. 60 on November 16, 1921.

1937

The status of this nature reserve was upgraded to a wildlife sanctuary, incorporating Peucang Island and Panaitan Island through a decision by the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies (Besluit Van Der Gouverneur-General) on June 24, 1937.

1958

By Minister of Agriculture Decree No. 48/Um/1958 on April 17, 1958, the Ujung Kulon area was again designated as a nature reserve, extending 500 meters into the sea from the lowest tide mark.

1967

On March 16, 1967, Minister of Agriculture Decree No. 16/Kpts/Um/3/1967 established the Southern Honje area, covering 10,000 hectares, as a nature reserve.

1979

The Minister of Agriculture Decree No. 39/Kpts/Um/1979 on January 11, 1979, added the Northern Honje area, covering 9,498 hectares, to the Ujung Kulon Nature Reserve.

1980

Boundary delineation in the Honje Nature Reserve was carried out, with the boundary report formalized on March 26, 1980, and approved on February 2, 1982, by the Minister of Agriculture.

1992

Ujung Kulon was designated as a National Park through Forestry Minister Decree No. 284/Kpts-II/1992 on February 26, 1992, encompassing a total area of 122,956 hectares (78,619 hectares of land and 44,337 hectares of marine area). The same year, UNESCO recognized Ujung Kulon as a Natural World Heritage Site.

1995

A boundary reconstruction of Ujung Kulon National Park was conducted in collaboration with the New Zealand government, including the installation of navigational aids.

1999

The Forestry Planning Agency installed yellow beacons and reference points around the peninsula and measured the coastal boundaries of Ujung Kulon.

2004

The Regional Office XI of Java-Madura conducted further boundary reconstructions around Gunung Honje. Ujung Kulon National Park received national and international recognition as a critical conservation area under various laws and regulations, including Law No. 5 of 1990 on Natural Resource Conservation and Law No. 41 of 1999 on Forestry.

Today, Ujung Kulon National Park is considered a National Strategic Area due to its environmental functions and supports as outlined in Government Regulation No. 26 of 2008. It is also recognized as a Model National Park as designated by the Director General of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation in 2006.

Area of Ujung Kulon National Park

  • Land Area: 61,357.46 hectares
  • Marine Area: 44,337 hectares
  • Total Area: 105,694.46 hectares