Bandung Zoo Auction Deadline Approaches as Winner Remains Unclear

BANDUNG - Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan has stated he will meet the Ministry of Forestry to discuss the Bandung Zoo auction, which expires in May 2026. Three conservation agencies from dozens of applicants have expressed readiness to manage the zoo.

“In this re-auction, we hope there will be negotiation space between the auction organisers and participants. Yesterday, three remained from many [candidates],” he told reporters on Tuesday (26/5/2026).

He noted one challenge in the Bandung Zoo auction is the commitment value from the conservation agencies that will manage it, given the zoo’s high-value assets.

“We require a partner with strong financial and managerial capabilities. I can only passively await the committee’s selection results,” he said.

Additionally, the contract with the operator will last 26 years with investment values reaching trillions. An audit by the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office found the zoo’s ticket revenue reaches Rp26 billion annually.

“It must be resolved with the Ministry of Forestry this week,” he added.

Previously, several conservation agencies expressed readiness to manage Bandung Zoo, having participated in the bidding process organised by Bandung City Hall.

The bidding registration has been extended due to no approved operator for Bandung Zoo.