The Legacy of the Javan Rhino in Sundanese Culture

 

In the verdant landscapes of West Java, the echoes of the past are often captured in folklore, songs, and place names. Among these, the Javan rhino holds a particularly poignant place, symbolizing both the region’s rich biodiversity and the dire consequences of human encroachment.

One of the most evocative pieces of this legacy is the children’s song “Si Jendil.” The song, which features a dialogue between children who are afraid to go to the fields because of a rhino, reflects a time when these majestic creatures roamed freely. The song’s eight lines, typically sung during gatherings, encapsulate the fear and fascination that rhinos inspire.

This song, still sung in parts of Priangan, such as South Garut, in the late 1960s, underscores the rhino population crisis caused by rampant poaching.

The presence of the Javan rhino in Sundanese culture is also evident in traditional pantuns and place names. For instance, the long Sundanese pantun “Carita Badak Pemalang” tells a tale involving rhinos, and reciting it fully could take up to three nights. This extensive narrative suggests the significant role rhinos played in local lore.

Toponyms like Rancabadak (rhino’s wallowing place) and Cibadak (rhino’s bathing place) serve as historical markers, mapping the former habitats of these animals across West Java. These names, derived from the natural behavior and habitats of rhinos, highlight the intertwined relationship between people and their environment.

Historical accounts and place names reveal that the Bandung Basin was once a thriving habitat for rhinos and other wildlife. Areas like Rancabadak, now home to Hasan Sadikin Hospital, were once wetlands frequented by rhinos. The existence of place names such as Pamoyanan (a sunbathing spot for wild animals) further illustrates the region’s rich natural history.

In the 19th century, rhinos were still sighted in places like Cisitu near the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), indicating the widespread presence of these animals before their decline.

The tragic decline of the Javan rhino population is epitomized by the story of the last rhino in Priangan, shot in 1934 in Sindangkerta, Tasikmalaya. This rhino’s demise, alongside its mate’s earlier death due to poaching, marks a somber chapter in the region’s history. The male rhino was intended to be relocated to Ujung Kulon but was ultimately turned into a museum specimen due to concerns about its ability to adapt.

Today, the natural habitat of the Javan rhino is limited to Ujung Kulon National Park in Banten. With an estimated population of just 81 individuals in 2024, the Javan rhino is critically endangered, facing threats from habitat loss and poaching.

The cultural remnants of the Javan rhino in Sundanese songs, stories, and place names serve as poignant reminders of the species’ past abundance and the ecological balance that once existed. These cultural artifacts underscore the importance of preserving the remaining rhino population and their habitats, not just for biodiversity but also for cultural heritage.

As we reflect on these stories and songs, we are reminded of the delicate balance between nature and human activity. The legacy of the Javan rhino in West Java is a call to action for conservation efforts, ensuring that these majestic creatures remain a living part of our world’s natural heritage.