West Java DPRD Pushes for Strong Political Will to Save Critically Endangered Sunda Cuckoo-shrike

West Java DPRD member Daddy Rohanady has stressed the urgent need for robust political will to protect the Sunda Cuckoo-shrike (Cissa Thalassina), a bird species now facing critical endangerment. Rohanady has committed to championing the cause of saving this endemic bird within the legislative assembly.

Expressing deep concern over the bird's precarious status, Rohanady hopes that by bringing the issue to the legislative level, it will foster increased public awareness and lead to effective conservation policies. "Certainly, many parties from the environmental sector, perhaps the Environmental Agency, and also those related to Commission 2 which oversees conservation, are involved. I will try to voice this in the forum, then it depends on what kind of significant political will is needed," Rohanady told ANTARA in Bandung on Friday.

Rohanady also urged various stakeholders, including the media, to act as conduits of information. The goal is to broaden public engagement with the issue, thereby strengthening the political will to ensure the bird's survival. He specifically called on provincial and district/city governments, particularly in areas that are current or potential habitats, to take proactive roles.

He commended the efforts of Taman Safari Indonesia for its breeding and planned reintroduction program for four of its Sunda Cuckoo-shrikes. Rohanady believes that saving this endemic West Javanese species requires concerted efforts from many parties. "Thankfully, there are those who care, like Taman Safari. We need more Tonys Sumampaws who care about the Ekek we love. I hope the media continues to voice this, and I, as one of the 120 DPRD members, will also strive for it, hopefully Commission 2, which oversees conservation, will also participate, because this concern must be built," he stated.

The Sunda Cuckoo-shrike inhabits highland forests, specifically montane and submontane forests at altitudes of approximately 500 to 2,000 meters above sea level. Its wild population is alarmingly low, estimated at only 25 to 250 individuals, leading to its Critically Endangered status on the IUCN Red List. While habitat loss due to illegal logging remains a threat, the primary danger in the last decade has been hunting for trade and use as a 'master bird' in the pet trade, jeopardizing its long-term survival.