RRI.CO.ID, Bandung - Residents hoping to visit the Bandung Zoo in Bandung City, West Java, during the upcoming Eid holiday will have to wait longer, as Mayor Muhammad Farhan confirmed the facility remains unauthorized to operate.

The closure follows the revocation of the previous manager's conservation license by the Indonesian Forestry Ministry, leaving the city’s iconic green lung in a state of transition. "Hopefully, this issue can be resolved in the near future so that the Bandung Zoo can resume operations," said Farhan in Bandung, West Java, on Friday, March 13, 2026.

As reported by Antara, the Mayor expressed his apologies to the public and emphasized that the 11.7-hectare site holds a strategic role as a vital green space amidst the city's urban density. Consequently, he noted that ensuring its proper management remains a top priority.

Currently, the city is in the process of selecting a new operator, a task Farhan described as rigorous and involving a broad spectrum of stakeholders. The selection team includes experts, cultural figures, and representatives from the provincial, municipal, and central governments to ensure the next chapter of the zoo meets high standards.

"The concept is currently being developed. However, in principle, there are several elements that must be maintained," he said regarding the ongoing development of the management framework.

Farhan highlighted that the city is focusing on four non-negotiable pillars for the site’s future, beginning with the protection of water sources, protected zones, and land preservation. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of employee welfare and the conservation of the zoo’s historical heritage.

“These aspects must be maintained within the new zoo concept to be developed by the selection team,” he added.

The Bandung City Administration aims to finalize the selection of the new manager by April 2026 to ensure the optimal restoration of the zoo's operations. ***