Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — Indonesia’s Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni has called for stronger collaboration among conservation institutions to prevent inbreeding and ensure the long-term sustainability of wildlife populations.
The minister made the statement during a meeting with officials from Jakarta’s Parks and Urban Forest Agency and the management of Ragunan Zoo in Jakarta on Monday.
Raja Juli Antoni emphasized that animals held by conservation institutions are state assets that must be jointly managed in the public interest. He highlighted the importance of establishing an integrated national wildlife database covering all conservation institutions.
The database would record population numbers and institutional needs, enabling planned and science-based animal exchanges to ensure genetic diversity. “With integrated data, we can identify which institutions have surplus populations and which require fresh genetic stock,” he said.
The minister stressed that animal welfare must remain a priority, noting that all exchanges and releases should be based on rigorous scientific assessments, including DNA analysis and release feasibility studies.
He added that strengthened collaboration among conservation institutions would enhance the role of ex-situ conservation while supporting broader in-situ conservation efforts. (*)
