Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — The Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE) under Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry and the Bandung City Government have agreed to extend their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the coordination of wildlife rescue efforts and the handling of workers at the former conservation institution of Yayasan Margasatwa Tamansari Bandung Zoological Garden, commonly known as Bandung Zoological Garden.
The extension was decided following the expiration of the previous agreement on May 5, 2026.
Director General of KSDAE, Satyawan Pudiyatmoko, stated that animal safety and welfare remain the government’s top priorities in handling the former conservation institution. He emphasized that the central government and the Bandung City Government continue to maintain intensive coordination to ensure all animals receive proper care, treatment, and maintenance in accordance with internationally recognized animal welfare principles.
“This decision was taken based on the primary consideration of ensuring animal safety and welfare, while also supporting the expectation that future management of the conservation institution will be carried out by a more professional, accountable party that meets proper animal welfare management standards,” he said.
During the extended MoU period, the Bandung City Government will remain responsible for providing essential needs for wildlife rescue efforts, including food supplies, medicines, vitamins, and other technical requirements to ensure the animals remain in good condition throughout the management transition process.
In addition, the municipal government will continue covering workers’ wages and utility expenses, including water, electricity, and internet services.
Meanwhile, the Bandung City Government has initiated the process of selecting a new operator for the public conservation institution. Since May 6, 2026, the city administration has officially announced an open selection process for prospective new management parties.
Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan stated that the selection process is being conducted transparently to identify a management team with strong capacity, experience, and commitment to modern conservation practices that prioritize conservation, education, and animal welfare.
“We are targeting the appointment of a new management entity no later than May 29, 2026, so that the transition process can proceed smoothly and the continuity of animal care can be fully guaranteed,” Farhan said.
The Ministry of Forestry and the Bandung City Government also called on all stakeholders to support the transition process constructively in the best interest of the animals, workers, and the sustainability of conservation and educational functions in Bandung. (*)
