KBS Animal Feed Rights 'Robbed', Lawmaker Says Ex-Director Must Not Get Light Sentence

Member of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Rajiv, has condemned the alleged corruption case involving animal feed funds at Surabaya Zoo (KBS) amounting to Rp10.2 billion. The funds were allegedly used for personal gain by the former President Director of the Regional Company for Surabaya Zoo (PDTS KBS), Choirul Anwar. Rajiv urged law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the case and examine all parties suspected of involvement in the misappropriation of feed funds from 2016 to 2024. “The alleged misappropriation lasted for eight years. I support the East Java High Prosecutor’s Office in investigating this case thoroughly without discrimination. The investigation must not stop at one person. All parties suspected of knowing about the KBS budget irregularities must be examined,” Rajiv stated on Friday, 24 July 2026. He further asserted that if the corruption charges are legally and convincingly proven in court, the perpetrator Choirul must receive the maximum possible sentence in accordance with applicable regulations. “We still respect the principle of presumption of innocence, because being named a suspect is not a guilty verdict. However, if all charges are proven in court, there must be no light sentence,” stressed the Nasdem Party lawmaker. According to him, the corruption of animal feed funds has led to a decline in the quality of KBS management, including dirty and damaged facilities and animals appearing unhealthy, with some even dying allegedly due to a lack of proper care. “Corruption of animal feed funds is a cruel act. Because what is being robbed is not only state money, but the basic rights of animals to obtain food, health care, and a decent living environment,” he said. Rajiv therefore assessed that the case does not solely involve a dimension of state financial loss, but also causes biological loss, harm to animal welfare, and conservation damage whose value is incalculable in rupiah. He emphasised that a zoo is not merely a recreational place or a regional-owned enterprise. KBS is an ex-situ conservation institution outside natural habitats that carries out the function of rescue and maintenance of genetic reserves. Based on the Regulation of the Minister of Environment and Forestry Number 15 of 2023, the management of conservation institutions for the public interest must be carried out based on the principles of ethics and animal welfare.