Bandung Mayor Confirms Zoo Closure During Eid al-Fitr 2026
Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan has confirmed that Bandung Zoo will remain unable to open during the Eid al-Fitr 2026 holiday season. The decision follows the revocation of the conservation facility’s licence by the Ministry of Forestry through Ministerial Decree Number 357/KPTS-II/2003, which had previously authorised the Margasatwa Tamansari Zoological Garden Foundation as an ex-situ wildlife conservation facility operating as a zoo in Bandung.
The decree was issued on 3 February 2026, resulting in the suspension of Bandung Zoo’s operational activities. According to Farhan, Bandung City Government secured municipal assets two days after the Ministry of Forestry’s decree revoking the conservation facility’s licence.
Farhan stated that the city government has secured municipal property and sealed land owned by the city that had been used as the Bandung Zoo site.
Additionally, Farhan noted that Bandung City Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Directorate General of Natural Resource and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE) of the Ministry of Forestry and Bandung City Government regarding coordination on wildlife rescue and handling of workers at the former conservation facility.
“We understand that Bandung Zoo is one of the tourism destinations for residents and visitors. However, its licence has now been revoked by the central government, so operations cannot resume until all administrative and legal processes are completed,” Farhan stated in a press release from Bandung City Government Communications Bureau on Wednesday, 18 March 2026.
The top official in Bandung city stated he would comply with all applicable regulatory provisions before reopening the area used by Bandung Zoo.
“We will not reopen the zoo temporarily after Eid. Everything must comply with regulations. Animal welfare, proper management, and legal certainty are our primary priorities,” he said.
Farhan stated that Bandung City Government will only reopen Bandung Zoo operations after a new operator is selected through transparent auction or tender mechanisms in accordance with applicable legislation.
“Once a new operator is selected through an official and properly regulated process, then Bandung Zoo can be reopened to the public with better management,” he stated.
He also ensured that wildlife rescue efforts and worker welfare remain the primary focus throughout the management transition process.