Bandung Zoo Management Must Be Appointed Immediately
The West Java Provincial Legislative Council (DPRD) has requested that a new manager for Bandung Zoo be determined immediately. This is crucial to save the animals and ensure the sustainability of the conservation institution.
This was stated by Deputy Chairman of the West Java DPRD, Ono Surono, in Bandung on Monday (30/3). Ono urged the Bandung City Government to promptly appoint a new manager for Bandung Zoo.
This swift and tactical step is necessary given the importance of saving all parties involved with Bandung Zoo. Additionally, the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Forestry and the Bandung City Government regarding management is about to expire.
Ono emphasised that the uncertainty in management following the revocation of the conservation institution’s permit from the previous foundation must not be allowed to drag on.
According to him, this is a crucial period for determining the future of this historic tourist destination, including the fate of the hundreds of animals inside it.
“From the discussion results earlier, we agreed not to look back. April is key in how the Bandung City Government, with support from the Provincial Government and the Ministry of Forestry, can determine strategic steps. Whether the animals stay there or must be evacuated to other conservation institutions around West Java if there is no clarity,” he said.
Presence of local government
Ono, who is also a PDI Perjuangan politician, highlighted the importance of the local government’s presence in maintaining the zoo’s operational continuity, from additional feed funding to animal health.
He assured that the West Java Provincial Government through Cikole Animal Hospital would be mobilised to routinely monitor the animals’ health.
“I have already asked the veterinarians there to routinely check the animals’ conditions. This means a transition plan needs to be made for at least the next six months,” he stressed.
Ono reminded that the land assets of Bandung Zoo must be maintained according to their function as the city’s lungs and a conservation centre.
He strongly rejected any discourse on repurposing the land into a commercial area such as a hotel.
“This zoo has a long history since the Dutch era and must remain. We also remind the Bandung City Government to immediately resolve the employment status of the employees there. The animals and their caretakers are a unit; if the employees’ welfare is unclear, it will certainly have a negative impact on animal care,” he said.
At the same location, the Head of the Technical Division of the West Java Natural Resources Conservation Centre (BBKSDA), Andri Hansen Siregar, explained that the ministry is currently focused on fulfilling animal welfare in accordance with applicable regulations. From 6 February to 6 May, his side is conducting intensive assistance.
However, if by the end of the MoU period there is still no clear management scheme from the Bandung City Government, animal evacuation becomes the last option.
“As the management authority, we have the obligation to ensure the welfare of protected endemic Indonesian animals. If the new management scheme is not clear, we will take steps to secure those animals to the nearest conservation institutions,” he asserted.