Bandung City Government Ensures Bandung Zoo Remains Closed During Eid Holiday
The ongoing conflict surrounding Bandung Zoo has led the Bandung City Government (Pemkot) to maintain the closure of operations during the Eid holiday. This will undoubtedly disappoint Bandung residents who annually visit the zoo during their holidays.
The revocation of the conservation institution’s permit by the Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) through Ministerial Decree Number 107 of 2026, which revoked the previous Ministerial Decree Number 357/KPTS-II/2003 granting permission to the Margasatwa Tamansari Zoological Garden Foundation as an ex-situ conservation institution for wild animals in the form of a zoo in Bandung City, serves as the basis for Pemkot Bandung closing this tourist spot in the heart of the city. This decision was established on 3 February 2026, meaning operational activities at Bandung Zoo could no longer be conducted from that date.
In response to this decision, Pemkot Bandung immediately took steps to secure regional assets. On 5 February 2026, Pemkot Bandung secured state-owned goods and sealed the city government land that had been used as the Bandung Zoo location.
On the same day, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE) of the Ministry of Forestry and Pemkot Bandung, regarding coordination for animal rescue and handling of workers at the former conservation institution.
Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan, on Wednesday (18/3), stated that the decision not to open the zoo temporarily was to ensure all processes run according to regulations.
“We understand that Bandung Zoo is one of the tourist destinations for residents and visitors. However, the permit has now been revoked by the central government, so operations cannot be reopened until all administrative and legal processes are completed,” he explained.
Farhan assured that Pemkot Bandung would comply with all applicable regulatory provisions before reopening the area.
“We will not open the zoo temporarily after Eid. Everything must follow the rules. Animal safety, good management, and legal certainty are the top priorities,” he stressed.
Looking ahead, Farhan continued, Pemkot Bandung will reopen Bandung Zoo operations after a new management partner is selected through a transparent tender mechanism in accordance with statutory provisions.
“If a new manager is later selected through an official and rule-compliant process, then Bandung Zoo can be reopened to the public with better management. We also ensure that animal rescue efforts and handling of workers remain a primary concern during the management transition process,” he added.