West Java DPRD to Summon BBKSDA Regarding Bandung Zoo Management
The West Java Provincial Legislative Council (DPRD) will soon summon the West Java Great Office for Conservation of Natural Resources (BBKSDA) and related parties to seek clarification on the governance of Bandung Zoo. This step follows the deaths of two Bengal tiger cubs due to a virus.
This was stated by Deputy Chairman of the West Java DPRD, Ono Surono, during a visit to the site on Friday (27/3). Ono, who is also the Chairman of the West Java PDI Perjuangan DPD, explained that they received reports regarding the decline in animal handling quality and the unclear fate of employees after the management takeover by the ministry through the permit revocation mechanism.
He revealed that since the management permit was revoked by the Ministry of Forestry, conditions on the ground have not shown significant improvement. On the contrary, there are complaints from employees and curators about stalled coordination and technical obstacles in meeting the basic needs of the animals.
“On Monday, I will summon the West Java BBKSDA to ensure their responsibilities are carried out properly. I see that so far, no strategic steps have been taken post-takeover,” he said.
Ono explained that although standard feed has been prepared by the ministry, the payment process often experiences delays. This causes employees to be frequently billed by feed suppliers.
In addition, other crucial needs such as supplementary food for the animals and operational costs for environmental care are not clearly facilitated. Ono regrets the government’s slow response in handling internal foundation conflicts that impact animal welfare.
He stated that since August last year, they have provided input for immediate tactical steps, including the option to relocate animals to other zoos such as Ragunan or Surabaya Zoo.
“Since the takeover by the ministry, there hasn’t been a single meeting with employees or curators. There is no clear SOP, leading to confusion below. The BBKSDA, which is based here, is also felt by employees to not be functioning maximally,” he emphasised.
Besides animal issues, Ono also highlighted the fate of employees who remain in uncertainty regarding their status and salaries. He urged the Bandung City Government to immediately take concrete steps regarding their employment status.
“Their status must be clear, whether directed to become non-permanent civil servants or expert staff. This must be executed immediately so that employees feel comfortable working to care for the animals,” he said.
Ono emphasised that the main focus now is to ensure animal welfare is met amid the ongoing legal process. He also asked the West Java Provincial Forestry Service not to wash their hands of it and to actively participate in conservation oversight at Bandung Zoo.
“If the government is indeed unable, we must rally public donations. But certainly, this responsibility lies with the ministry through BBKSDA, and the local government must be present there,” he said.