March 30, 2026 | 06:15 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan announced this week that the city government will launch a "beauty contest" to select a new operator for the Bandung Zoo.
"This week, I will announce the requirements and invite legal conservation institutions interested in partnering as the second party to collaborate in managing Bandung Zoo," he stated at Gedung Sate, Bandung, on Monday, March 30, 2026.
Farhan admitted that the specific contract value for the management rights cannot yet be disclosed. However, he noted that according to a formal audit, estimated annual revenue from ticket sales alone could reach Rp26 billion. "Based on the audit from the West Java High Prosecutor's Office, ticket revenue alone has the potential to hit Rp26 billion annually," he said.
Farhan outlined three requirements for the new manager. The first is that the operator must retain existing employees. "No one should be terminated. At the same time, we, along with the Manpower Office, will strive for the employees' rights to severance pay and also their Workers Social Security Agency (BPJS Ketenagakerjaan) savings," he said.
The other two requirements concern the values and history of the site. "The second requirement is to continue to prioritize the values, cultural heritage, and history of Sundanese culture present there. And the third is to show appreciation and gratitude to the Bratakoesoemah family, who have contributed significantly to establishing and maintaining the zoo all this time," said Farhan.
Regarding ticket prices, Farhan mentioned that he cannot interfere. "I cannot comment on the business calculations at this stage," he said.
The Bandung city administration aims to have the new manager officially designated by the end of April 2026. "The timeline is tight, but it is my promise to the Minister of Environment: by the end of April," he said.
The city government previously moved to temporarily close the Bandung Zoo following the issuance of Minister of Forestry Decree Number 107 of 2026. This decree revoked a 2003 permit held by the Yayasan Margasatwa Tamansari Zoological Garden to operate as an ex-situ wildlife conservation institution. Following that February 3, 2026, decision, all operational activities at the zoo have remained suspended.
Read: How a Deadly Virus Killed Two Tiger Cubs at Bandung Zoo
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
How a Deadly Virus Killed Two Tiger Cubs at Bandung Zoo
1 hari lalu
Two eight-month-old Bengal tiger cubs died consecutively at Bandung Zoo, Indonesia, on March 24 and 26, 2026.
Two Bengal Tiger Cubs Died at Bandung Zoo
3 hari lalu
A second Bengal tiger cub died at Bandung Zoo on Thursday morning. Its twin died just a couple days earlier.
Ministry Revokes Bandung Zoo Management Permit
53 hari lalu
The Ministry of Forestry will assume full responsibility for the care and rescue of all animals in Bandung Zoo for a maximum of three months.
Visitors Flock to Bandung Zoo Amid Free Admissions Policy
4 Januari 2026
Bandung Zoo attracts a large number of visitors as it opens for free admission until January 4, 2026. Visitors are encouraged to bring donations for the animals.
City Govt to Seal Bandung Zoo Next Month
10 Juni 2023
The Bandung City Government planned to seal Bandung Zoo in July 2023.
