Jakarta DPRD Member Calls for Ragunan Zoo Safety Review After Child Falls into Elephant Enclosure

JAKARTA – Jakarta DPRD member Hardiyanto Kenneth has called for a comprehensive safety review at Ragunan Zoo following an incident where a child reportedly fell into the elephant enclosure. He stressed that the review must be objective and thorough to identify the root cause and implement corrective measures without waiting for a repeat incident.

“We demand an objective and comprehensive review. The focus is not to assign blame but to identify the root cause and ensure immediate corrective actions to prevent recurrence,” Kenneth said in a statement on Monday, 1 June 2026.

Ragunan Zoo, as one of Jakarta’s largest family tourist destinations, must uphold robust safety standards, particularly to protect children who make up the majority of visitors.

“This incident should not be treated as routine. It must serve as a catalyst for all parties to strengthen safety standards, especially at tourist sites visited by thousands daily,” Kenneth said.

Ragunan management is urged to conduct a transparent internal investigation to establish the sequence of events, causes, and potential security gaps.

Kenneth also highlighted the need for thorough checks of safety infrastructure, including barriers and high-risk zones near animal enclosures.

“If any barriers fail to meet safety standards, security gaps, or areas allowing dangerous visitor proximity to animals are found, repairs must be made immediately without waiting for further incidents,” he stressed.

Kenneth also called for increased on-site surveillance with more staff, particularly during peak periods such as weekends, public holidays, and school holidays.

He stressed that active patrols and direct warnings from staff are crucial to prevent similar incidents.

Conversely, he highlighted visitors’ tendency to disregard safety for social media content.

“In today’s social media age, the public must exercise greater caution when creating or chasing content. The pursuit of photos, videos, or viral material should not compromise safety, especially when children are involved. No content is worth risking lives,” he said.