Enviro News Asia, Bogor — Indonesia’s Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, officially announced the birth of the country’s first giant panda cub during the event Public Announcement of the 1st Giant Panda Cub Born in Indonesia held at Taman Safari Indonesia (TSI), Bogor, on Tuesday.
The announcement marked the 40th day since the cub’s birth and was attended by the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Indonesia, Wang Lutong, along with TSI Founder Jansen Manansang. The delegation observed the panda cub at the Panda Palace within the TSI complex.
Minister Raja Juli Antoni described the moment as a milestone for conservation in Indonesia, emphasizing that the birth represents more than the arrival of a new animal.
“This is a joyful day, as today marks the 40th day since the birth of Indonesia’s first giant panda cub,” the minister said.
He stressed that the successful birth demonstrates long-standing environmental diplomacy and sustained scientific collaboration between Indonesia and the People’s Republic of China.
“The birth of this panda cub is not only good news for Indonesia, but also for the world. It proves that conservation can go hand in hand with diplomacy, international friendship, and scientific advancement,” he stated.
The cub, born to the panda pair Cai Tao (male) and Hu Chun (female), was officially named Satrio Wiratama by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The name is rendered in Mandarin as Li Ao (里奥), derived from the nickname Rio, symbolizing courage, nobility, and virtue.
According to the minister, the panda conservation program in Indonesia is the result of efforts spanning three presidential administrations—Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Joko Widodo, and President Prabowo Subianto—culminating in the birth of the cub in 2024.
Ambassador Wang Lutong said the news had been conveyed to the Chinese President and expressed pride in the achievement, noting that the cub symbolizes continued friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Jansen Manansang stated that the birth reflects the success of Indonesia’s conservation program, highlighting priorities such as strengthening international ecological cooperation, cross-cultural integration, scientific research, technological development, and sustainable industry growth. (*)
