Bandung city government assures transparent process in appointing Bandung Zoo operator

The Bandung city government has assured that the process of determining a new operator for the Bandung Zoo will be transparent and not conducted through direct appointment. Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan stated that the final decision will be made together with the Ministry of Forestry, as zoo management is closely linked to conservation and wildlife protection aspects. “From the three candidates, one must be selected, and the selection cannot be done alone. It must be with the ministry because conservation permits and protected wildlife permits fall under the ministry’s authority,” Farhan said. He added that he will coordinate with the Ministry of Forestry to discuss the final stage of the process. Although the city government has authority in the selection process, determining the operator cannot be done unilaterally. “After the signing is complete, the Bandung city government will immediately announce the winner of the Bandung Zoo management tender,” he said. Farhan explained that several aspects are key considerations in the evaluation process, ranging from management capability and animal care to social and cultural elements. He noted that one important requirement is financial readiness, with the tender winner obligated to pay a fixed contribution of Rp4.3 billion upfront upon signing the cooperation agreement (PKS). “Once they sign the PKS, they must immediately pay the fixed contribution of Rp4.3 billion. After that, they are directly responsible for animal feed and all operations,” Farhan said. However, the Bandung city government will continue to cover employee salaries until the upcoming 25th of June as part of the management transition period. Farhan acknowledged that the approximately six-month closure of Bandung Zoo poses a particular challenge for prospective operators. Therefore, a legally established conservation institution with strong financial capability is needed to restore and revive the zoo’s operations. “This is part of the investment they must make. From a business and financial standpoint, the managing conservation institution must have very strong capabilities,” he stated.