Knowing how people perceive and relate to the environment is invaluable to conservation efforts. The mechanisms that drive conservation initiatives are social in nature, and it must be acknowledged that conservation is as much about people as it is the environment and non-human species. This research explored how local communities living on the border of Gunung-Gede Pangrango National Park in West Java, Indonesia perceive the natural environment and the wildlife with which they share the forest. More specifically, the goal was to determine the depth of their knowledge about Javan gibbons (Hylobates moloch) and the threats they face in the wild. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted with over 100 people during the months of June through August 2016. Interviews revealed an unexpected narrative. Local people have limited knowledge and information with regard to the forest and its inhabitants. Responses varied between how important people thought protecting the forest was and how crucial the need to expand agriculture is for their personal livelihoods. People also expressed a desire to be more involved in local conservation initiatives. Support from local governments and community engagement is crucial to ensure the success of conservation programmes for Javan gibbons in West Java.