Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — The Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) has reaffirmed its commitment to overseeing the selection process for a new management partner for the former Bandung Zoo area, ensuring that future operations not only meet administrative professionalism standards but also strictly uphold conservation principles and animal welfare requirements.
The Bandung City Government is currently conducting a tender or beauty contest process for a Cooperation for Utilization Agreement (KSP) concerning the Regional Government-Owned Asset (BMD) in the former zoo area.
Kemenhut is actively involved in the KSP team and supporting committee for partner selection. The process aims to ensure that technical, managerial, and operational capabilities of participating bidders align with standards for integrated green open spaces, educational facilities, and recreational management.
As of now, the process has entered the tender clarification stage (aanwijzing), which has been attended by five registered participants. Based on the official procurement timeline, the winning bidder is scheduled to be announced on Monday, 25 May 2026.
To prevent risks during the transition period, Kemenhut, through the Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bandung City Government regarding coordination for animal rescue measures and the handling of workers at the site.
Kemenhut emphasized that all prospective operators must comply with both national and international technical standards related to animal welfare and conservation management.
The ministry outlined several mandatory requirements, including enclosure standards that must accommodate animals’ biological needs, movement space, air circulation, lighting, and environmental enrichment. Feeding standards must also meet species-specific nutritional requirements based on age and health conditions under veterinary supervision.
All operational activities must comply with Ministerial Regulation of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry No. P.22/2019 concerning Conservation Institutions and Directorate General of PHKA Regulation No. P.9/2011 on Animal Ethics and Welfare Guidelines.
“Kesejahteraan satwa adalah prioritas utama. Kemenhut memastikan bahwa siapa pun yang terpilih nantinya harus memiliki kapabilitas untuk menjalankan prinsip animal welfare sesuai regulasi yang berlaku,” the ministry stated.
The Ministry of Forestry stressed that the transition process is part of broader efforts to strengthen responsible wildlife conservation management while ensuring that educational and recreational functions continue to support environmental sustainability and public awareness. (*)
