Jakarta, 3 May 2026 – PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA), under the Bakti BCA umbrella, is committed to supporting the existence of the Javan leopard to ensure the balance of the forest ecosystem. Furthermore, on International Leopard Day, the population of this species endemic to Java is increasingly declining, which could impact the stability of the forest’s chain of life.
Bakti BCA together with the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry, the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Center (BBTNBTS) and the SINTAS Indonesia Foundation conducted the Java Wide Leopard Survey (JWLS) in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park as support for the preparation of the Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (SRAK) for the Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas).
"Since 2024, this contribution has strengthened data-driven conservation management efforts, while simultaneously supporting the government in its endeavors to preserve the Javan leopard in Indonesia," stated BCA EVP of Corporate Communication & Social Responsibility, Hera F. Haryn.
Hera detailed that, as of July 2025, the first phase of the survey in TNBTS successfully identified at least eight individual Javan leopards, consisting of one male, six females, and one cub. Meanwhile, the second phase of the survey is ongoing in 2026 to complete the overall population profile.
The program has also trained 84 participants in survey techniques using camera traps and 16 participants in camera trap data management and analysis techniques from various institutions, including the Technical Implementation Units of the Directorate General of KSDAE and East Java BBKSDA.
The Director of the SINTAS Indonesia Foundation, Hariyo T. Wibisono, revealed that the Javan leopard's habitat has undergone landscape changes due to the expansion of human activities over the last few decades. Under these conditions, Javan leopards are frequently pushed out of their natural habitats, sometimes venturing near human settlements.
According to Hariyo, the basic needs of the Javan leopard are actually simple: a safe habitat, a sufficiently large home range, and continued connectivity between areas. Given the current conditions on Java Island, Hariyo believes that understanding wildlife is no longer just a matter of knowledge, but a necessity.
"The forest is their home, and the presence of humans around it inevitably brings an impact. As long as we do not disturb or provoke them, animals like the Javan leopard will not attack. Therefore, if sharing space becomes increasingly difficult, sharing time is the most realistic solution for continuing to live in coexistence," said Hariyo.
Hariyo added that data limitations represent another equally important challenge. Without accurate information regarding the number of individuals, population structure, and habitat connectivity, conservation efforts risk being misdirected. Consequently, BCA's support in the population data collection process is crucial as a basis for long-term conservation planning.
Living in Coexistence
At the grassroots level, communities living alongside the forest hold a profound understanding of this balance. Randi, a resident of Ranu Pani, views the presence of the leopard from both a realistic and reflective perspective.
“The leopard is a wild animal, so its instinct is naturally like that, especially when it is near residents' livestock. But we also understand that there must be a reason why they come down near the village. It could be that their ecosystem has been disturbed,” he remarked.
He emphasized that the primary solution is not to drive them away, but to protect their habitat. “If their place is safe, they will not come down to the residents. So, it is not actually about driving them out, but how we together ensure that humans and leopards can continue to live in coexistence.”
Similar sentiments were expressed by Tuangkat, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Great Hall Officer. In local wisdom, the leopard is not merely a threat, but a part of the life system that must be respected.
“The leopard is not to be fought, but its existence must be protected. We believe that if the forest remains preserved, they will not come down to the settlements. The key is simple: protect the forest, respect nature. That way, humans and leopards can live in coexistence, just as our ancestors taught us since long ago,” he said.
Amidst the increasing pressure on the ecosystem of Java Island, the emerging message is simple yet fundamental: conservation is not just about saving one species, but about maintaining the relationship between humans and nature.
Picture Information 1-2:
Camera traps from the Java Wide Leopard Survey (JWLS) program in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park successfully recorded a Javan leopard. As of July 2025, the first phase of the survey identified at least eight individuals. JWLS is part of the data-driven conservation efforts supported by Bakti BCA, the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry, and the SINTAS Indonesia Foundation.
Picture Information 3:
The Bakti BCA team together with the SINTAS Indonesia Foundation conduct an inspection of camera traps as part of the Java Wide Leopard Survey (JWLS) series. This camera installation initiative supports the collection of population data and habitat conditions for the Javan leopard as a basis for long-term conservation planning.
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About PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (as of 31 March 2026)
BCA is one of Indonesia's leading banks, focusing on transaction banking and providing credit facilities and financial solutions for corporate, commercial, SME, and consumer segments. As of the end of March 2026, BCA serves 44 million customer accounts and processes more than 122 million transactions daily, supported by 1,270 branch offices, 20,336 ATMs, as well as internet & mobile banking services and the Halo BCA contact center, which is accessible 24 hours a day. BCA's presence is supported by a number of subsidiaries that focus on vehicle financing, Sharia banking, securities, general and life insurance, digital banking, and venture capital. BCA is committed to building long-term relationships with customers, prioritizing mutual interests, and creating a positive impact on society at large. With more than 27,600 employees, BCA's vision is to become the main bank of choice for the community, serving as an important pillar of the Indonesian economy.
PT BANK CENTRAL ASIA TBK
Group Corporate Communication and Social Responsibility - CCR
Corporate Communication
Address : Jl. MH Thamrin No.1, Menara BCA Lt. 22. Jakarta 10310
Telephone : (021) 2358-8000
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E-mail : corcom_bca@bca.co.id
