Bogor zoology museum closed

JAKARTA: The Bogor Museum of Zoology, which was built in 1894, is being closed temporarily due to fears that the building could collapse.

"We have to close it as the fragile building could collapse at any time and endanger visitors," said Hayati Endang Sukara, deputy chairman of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) when addressing a seminar on the future of the museum here on Tuesday.

He said the museum, which was built by Dutch researcher Dr. CJ Koningseberger, was important to educate people on Indonesian fauna.

Hayati said the museum had not been well maintained, particularly during the last five years, due to financial restraints.

"Besides, the public no longer find the zoology museum interesting, so we need to find a solution to improve its condition and make it function well to generate interest in fauna," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

LIPI's Biology Research Center head, Arie F. Budiman said that the building would be renovated and reopen in three months. -- JP