The Bandung City Government has stepped in as the interim authority for Bandung Zoo, assuming responsibility for its operations until a new management team is appointed, which is expected by the end of May. This transition ensures that the city will cover all necessary operational costs for the facility moving forward.
This decision follows a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Bandung City Government and the Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE) at the Ministry of Forestry. According to an official statement by Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan on Monday (May 11), the city has set a firm target to finalize the appointment of a new manager by May 29, 2026, at the latest.
Under this temporary arrangement, the Bandung City Government is tasked with securing the fundamental welfare of the animals. This includes the provision of essential feed, medication, and vitamins, ensuring that all creatures housed within the zoo receive proper care. Furthermore, the city is committed to managing routine operational expenses, including staff salaries and utility bills for water, electricity, and internet services throughout the conservation area.
Mayor Farhan emphasized that the selection process for the new management will be conducted with full transparency. The goal is to select an operator that possesses the capacity, professional experience, and a dedicated commitment to transforming the facility into a modern conservation institution that prioritizes education and animal welfare.
This latest agreement marks a shift from the previous MoU signed in February, which expired on May 5. Under that earlier arrangement, the Ministry of Forestry held sole responsibility for the care and rescue of all animals at the zoo. The new transition is expected to last for a maximum of three months, serving as a bridge until a professional management entity that meets strict animal welfare standards is officially installed.
Despite the change in operational oversight, KSDAE Director General Satyawan Pudyatmoko confirmed that the central government will maintain close coordination with the Bandung City Government. This partnership ensures that every animal continues to be handled and maintained according to established conservation standards.
“This decision is driven by our primary concern for the safety and well-being of the animals,” stated Satyawan. “We aim to ensure that the future management of this conservation institution is handled by a party that is professional, accountable, and capable of upholding high welfare standards.”
The leadership vacuum at Bandung Zoo emerged after the Ministry of Forestry revoked the operational permit of the Yayasan Margasatwa Tamansari (YMT). This regulatory action followed long-standing internal management conflicts and land disputes with the city government, which ultimately resulted in an eviction order. The permit revocation was deemed a necessary measure to safeguard the lives of the animals within the zoo.
Summary
The Bandung City Government has assumed interim operational responsibility for Bandung Zoo, covering all essential costs including animal care, staff salaries, and utility expenses. This transition follows the revocation of the previous operator’s permit due to internal conflicts and is formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Forestry. The city is currently managing the facility to ensure animal welfare while preparing for a permanent management transition.
City officials aim to appoint a new, professional management team by May 29, 2026, to transform the zoo into a modern conservation institution. This selection process will be conducted transparently to identify an operator capable of upholding high standards for animal care and education. Throughout this three-month interim period, the local government will work in close coordination with the central government to maintain rigorous conservation practices.
