"TNUK" Sustainability Must Be Maintained: Official

Pandeglang, Banten, Sept 8 (Antara) - The sustainability of the Ujung Kulon National Park (TNUK), which is home to the critically endangered Javan rhinoceros, should be maintained, stated Pandeglang District Head Erwan Kurtubi. "All economic activities are permitted in the park, but the important thing is that the sustainability of the park should continue to be maintained," Kurtubi noted here on Monday. He clarified that those who were planning to start economic activities or just to pay a visit to the park, should coordinate with the park management. Kurtubi pointed out that many tourists have frequented the park, and the number of visitors to the park will continue to grow. Meanwhile, Mohammad Haryono, the park`s conservation chairman, emphasized that anyone, including tourists, are allowed to visit the TNUK as long as they abide by the existing rules and regulations that have been set aside to preserve the environment. "The TNUK is the habitat of the single-horned Javan rhino, and the park has also been turned into an ecotourism destination, but its sustainability should continue to be maintained," Haryono stressed. But, he remarked that the tourists visiting the TNUK may find it difficult to spot the rhinos as they tend to hide themselves from human view. "The rhinos have a sharp sense of smell and hearing and can sense if humans are around. Therefore, they will run away to hide themselves when they sense the presence of humans," he affirmed. In an effort to utilize the park`s potential, Pandeglang culture and tourism office spokesman Imron Mulyana stated that the office has created special tour packages to attract more visitors. "With these tour packages, we will show the tourists the spectacular experiences of Sunda strait cruising, tour, and expedition through the wonders of Krakatau volcano and Ujung Kulon world heritage site," Imron noted. He remarked that their goal is to provide an enriching experience to the visitors and maintain the quality of the environment, which is important for the community and tourism. "Our tour packages are designed to provide the visitors with various activities available in the TNUK," he stated, adding that by availing these packages, the visitors also contribute to the conservation of the park.