PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government (Pemkot) emphasized that the obligation to feed animals at the Bandung Zoo is the obligation and responsibility of the Central Government.

This is in accordance with legal provisions and the latest agreement with the Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut).

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan stated that the Bandung City Government is committed to ensuring the management of regional assets and the welfare of civil servants.

According to him, the authority to provide animal feed and all aspects of animal care is the responsibility of the central agency authorized for animal conservation and protection (Ministry of Forestry/Directorate General of KSDAE and its technical implementing units).

"Therefore, the city government cannot simply use the regional budget for matters that are legally the responsibility of the central government," he explained.

Farhan revealed that the Bandung City Government and the Ministry of Forestry will reach a new agreement, namely signing a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Forestry.

In the latest agreement, animals are 100% the responsibility of the Ministry of Forestry and can be entrusted to licensed third parties.

Meanwhile, the physical assets of the zoo and employees are the full responsibility (100 percent) of the Bandung City Government.

"This agreement was made to clarify the division of duties during the legal process and to ensure that animal management and protection are maintained legally," explained Farhan.

The Bandung City Government affirms compliance with national regulations regarding the conservation of natural resources and their ecosystems, including restrictions and sanctions against keeping or trading protected animals without a permit.

All actions related to ex situ animals (animals conserved outside their natural habitat) will be carried out in accordance with the Ministry of Forestry's licensing regulations and through authorized conservation institutions.

To ensure the safety and welfare of animals during the legal process, the Bandung City Government will coordinate intensively with the Ministry of Forestry, the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), and licensed third parties if necessary.

Any temporary placement or cooperation with third parties will only be carried out after obtaining approval and/or supervision from the authorized central agency.

Apart from that, the City Government urges all members of the public and animal lover communities to:
1. Do not carry out interventions that exceed legal authority (e.g. providing organized feeding on behalf of the local government),

2. Avoid actions that could disrupt the judicial process or harm the animal collection,

3. Convey aspirations through official channels so that they can be followed up in accordance with the rules.

To report animal conditions or emergencies related to animal welfare, the public can report them through the Lapor! service (lapor.go.id).

The Bandung City Government will continue to coordinate with central agencies and relevant parties to find the best solution for the public interest and the continued conservation of animals at Bandung Zoo, while respecting the ongoing legal process.