Indonesia and Japan Strengthen Komodo Conservation via Surabaya Zoo Partnership

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia and Japan have bolstered their wildlife preservation efforts through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on animal conservation. The Surabaya Zoo is set to play a pivotal role in this initiative through a breeding loan program for the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis).

The MoU was signed by the Indonesian Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, and the Governor of Shizuoka, Yasutomo Suzuki. This agreement serves to solidify bilateral collaboration in the field of biodiversity conservation.

Minister Raja Juli emphasized that this partnership transcends a simple exchange of animals. "This cooperation is a component of our 'Green Diplomacy' and reflects Indonesia's long-term commitment to safeguarding global biodiversity," he remarked on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

He further noted that the breeding loan program holds significant strategic value for public education. "This initiative enhances international awareness regarding the critical importance of conservation."

The partnership marks a major milestone for Indonesia’s conservation diplomacy on the global stage, reinforcing efforts to preserve endangered species through a collaborative, cross-border approach. The MoU aims to deepen the friendship between Indonesia and Japan while increasing contributions toward wildlife protection and public awareness.

Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to animal welfare principles. The program also strictly adheres to international regulations, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

"The cooperation will be followed by implementation agreements between the respective conservation institutions. Japan’s iZoo (a conservation facility and zoo in Shizuoka) will partner with the Surabaya Zoo for technical execution," Minister Raja Juli explained.

Technical arrangements will cover maintenance, transportation, and animal monitoring, with all processes conducted in accordance with national and international standards. The Ministry of Forestry underscored that the program will be executed with caution and transparency, following all applicable laws and regulations.

The signing of this MoU took place during President Prabowo Subianto’s state visit to Japan from March 29 to early April 2026. During the visit, the President also met with Emperor Naruhito and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Through this partnership, Indonesia continues to demonstrate an active role in global conservation leadership, strengthening environmental diplomacy as a contribution to natural sustainability. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)