TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Faunaland, a conservation institution and zoo operating within the Ecopark area of Ancol, North Jakarta, has been appointed as the new manager of the Bandung Zoo. The official appointment was finalized on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
Faunaland CEO Danny Gunalen stated that this newfound trust carries a great responsibility to develop Bandung Zoo into a premier conservation institution that benefits wildlife, the ecosystem, and the public alike. He emphasized that the park is far more than just a tourist destination.
"Bandung Zoo is a home for animals and a tool for cultivating public awareness regarding the importance of conservation. Therefore, the entire revitalization process will prioritize the principles of animal welfare, conservation, and education," Danny said on Wednesday night.
According to Danny, Faunaland's appointment marks the beginning of a crucial transition and revitalization phase designed to breathe new life into one of the city's legacy conservation, education, and recreation spaces. The zoo, he noted, has been a part of the lives of the people of Bandung City for decades.
He believes the auction outcome serves as a foundational milestone for building a sustainable, conservation-driven future for the zoo while elevating animal welfare standards. "As a first step, Faunaland will conduct a comprehensive review of the current site conditions, infrastructure, operational systems, and animal collections," he added.
Faunaland plans to forge strategic partnerships with several international conservation bodies, including Vantara India and the Bin Zayed Conservation Foundation from the United Arab Emirates. This collaborative effort is aimed at bolstering local conservation capacity, enhancing wildlife protection, upgrading animal welfare standards, and adopting global best practices from top-tier institutions worldwide.
"The international collaborations we are establishing are not meant to alter the core character of Bandung Zoo, but rather to elevate its management quality," Danny explained.
Danny maintained that the ultimate goal is to introduce superior standards of conservation and animal welfare while preserving the distinct identity of the zoo as a proud heritage site for the people of Bandung. He pledged that animal welfare will remain the baseline for every management decision moving forward.
The announcement of the new management was delayed by a day from its original June 9, 2026, schedule. Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan clarified that the final decision on the auction winner was determined jointly with the Ministry of Forestry, given that zoo management is closely tied to wildlife protection and conservation regulations.
"While the government holds authority over the selection process, the appointment of a manager cannot be done unilaterally," Farhan said in a separate statement. He explained that the Bandung City Government only holds rights over the land assets, whereas oversight of the wildlife falls under the strict jurisdiction of the Ministry of Forestry.
The management auction itself had to be repeated. The initial tender drew bids from Taman Safari Indonesia, Faunaland, Gembira Loka Zoo, PT Diandra, and Pejaten Shelter, though several participants faltered due to administrative non-compliance and pricing issues. The tender was structured as a regional asset utilization partnership to address the management vacuum left after the Ministry of Forestry revoked the operational permit of the Tamansari Wildlife Foundation back in February 2026.
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