Bandung Zoo Workers' Union Appreciates Mayor Farhan's Proposed Solution Scheme
The Independent Workers’ Union of Mandiri Derenten (SPMD), representing employees of Bandung Zoo, has expressed appreciation for the solution scheme offered by Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan.
The solution represents a breakthrough in resolving the longstanding problems facing Bandung Zoo. Bandung Zoo’s Communications Officer, Sulhan Syafi’i, stated on Monday, 2 March, that after employee representatives met with the mayor’s team, they began to see a clear path toward resolving the zoo’s issues.
“We have already met with the mayor’s representatives to discuss solutions following the closure of Bandung Zoo,” Syafi’i explained.
According to Sulhan, the solution offered represents a tactical approach to resolving the Bandung Zoo conflict. Previously, there had been suspicions that certain parties were attempting to exacerbate the situation, causing the problem to persist.
Mayor Farhan previously proposed four solutions related to resolving the Bandung Zoo crisis, including worker continuity, protection of water sources and protected areas, land conservation, and preservation of historical heritage.
Workers view this solution as a positive step forward. “The four schemes proposed already encompass matters desired by employees. For them, continuing to work in the same location is something worth fighting for. Beyond that, the commitment to preserving the traditions and culture that have long been iconic to Bandung Zoo is maintained,” Sulhan explained.
Sulhan added that there have been numerous obstacles in communicating with the mayor because certain officials responsible for zoo-related matters have not genuinely conveyed the mayor’s message to resolve the problem properly.
“It is suspected that certain individuals have been playing a role in resolving the Bandung Zoo conflict. This is what made workers uncomfortable in communicating with the government. Many matters were not clearly conveyed. Eventually, we requested a single point of contact for resolving Bandung Zoo,” he stated.
The Bandung Zoo problem, Sulhan continued, encompasses many aspects related to politics, social welfare, economics, and conservation. Therefore, the solution must be comprehensive, as any incomplete resolution would leave unresolved issues.
Bandung Zoo houses a collection of 711 animals, all of which must be properly maintained. All 123 permanent workers remain committed to conducting normal activities to ensure animal welfare. For the workers, the animals represent an inseparable part of their decades of care work and constitute a crucial element in saving Bandung Zoo.