DKI Jakarta DPRD Member Kenneth Calls for Tighter Safety at Ragunan Zoo to Prevent Social Media-Driven Accidents

Hardiyanto Kenneth, a member of the DKI Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) from the PDI-Perjuangan faction, expressed deep concern over an incident where a child reportedly fell into the elephant enclosure at Ragunan Zoo. He stressed that the event must be taken seriously as a catalyst for a comprehensive review of safety systems and visitor security at the tourist site. ‘I am deeply concerned about this incident. The safety and health of the child must be the top priority,’ Kenneth stated on Monday, 1 June 2026. The man, commonly known as Bang Kent, said the incident should not be treated as routine. He urged all public facility managers to take this as an opportunity to improve and strengthen safety standards, particularly at tourist sites visited by thousands daily, including children and families. Kenneth stressed that visitor safety must be the top priority in all operational standards for tourist sites. Therefore, he called on Ragunan Zoo management to conduct a transparent internal investigation to determine the exact sequence of events, causes, and any security vulnerabilities. ‘We request an objective and thorough evaluation. The focus should not be on assigning blame but identifying the root cause and ensuring prompt corrective actions to prevent recurrence,’ said the member of DKI Jakarta DPRD’s Commission C. According to Kent, a thorough inspection of physical security aspects is needed, including barriers, multi-layered safety fences, visitor pathways, animal observation points, and high-risk areas. ‘If non-compliant barriers, safety gaps, or hazardous points allowing visitors to approach animals are found, repairs must be made immediately without waiting for another incident,’ stressed the Chairman of IKAL PPRA Angkatan LXII Lemhannas RI. Furthermore, strengthening on-site surveillance is crucial. Security and monitoring staff numbers must be adjusted according to visitor numbers, especially during weekends, national holidays, and school holidays when crowds surge. ‘Active patrols and direct warnings to visitors by staff are vital preventive measures to minimise accident risks,’ he said. Conversely, Kent highlighted the trend of visitors neglecting safety for social media content. He said this phenomenon requires collective attention as it can lead to risky behaviour, especially in tourist areas with potential hazards. ‘Regardless of the motive behind the incident, visitor safety must be the top priority. In today’s social media era, the public must be more prudent in creating or chasing content. The pursuit of appealing photos, videos, or content should not compromise safety, especially when children are involved. No content is worth risking lives,’ he stressed. Kent explained that wildlife conservation areas have mandatory protocols and boundaries for visitors. Safety barriers, demarcation lines, and warning signs are not meant to restrict public activity but to protect both humans and animals from potential dangers. Therefore, he urged parents to provide maximum supervision for children when visiting tourist sites, especially near large and potentially dangerous animals. ‘Children often do not understand the risks, so adult supervision is crucial. Public safety is a shared responsibility. Parents and guardians play a vital role in ensuring children remain under watch,’ he said. Nevertheless, Kenneth stressed that management must ensure robust and layered security systems to minimise various risks, including unforeseen scenarios. He also urged Ragunan Zoo management to enhance safety rule awareness through clearer warning signs, regular public address announcements, and on-site staff education. ‘If there is a tendency for visitors to approach restricted areas for photos or social media content, stricter preventive measures are needed, such as increasing staff, reinforcing safety barriers, installing surveillance cameras, or more extensive awareness campaigns,’ Kent said. For the future, Kenneth urged regular safety audits of all Ragunan Zoo facilities, including emergency response simulations, staff capacity building, CCTV installation in high-risk areas, and comprehensive risk mitigation standards. ‘This incident must serve as a lesson for all. The culture of chasing content should not override safety awareness. Tourist sites are spaces for recreation and education, not places to take risks that endanger oneself or others,’ he concluded. Previously, a viral social media video showed a child falling into the elephant enclosure at Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta. The video depicted the child falling into the enclosure’s ditch and being helped by bystanders to climb out. The video, viewed on Sunday, 31 May 2026, showed the child in red clothing who appeared to have