We hope that the revitalization of the two zoos will answer the existing problem."Cisarua (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has committed himself to revitalize Surakarta Zoo in Central Java and Bukittinggi Zoo in West Sumatra, Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya said.
They will be revitalized in cooperation with All-Indonesia Zoos Association (PKBSI), Nurbaya said in her opening address to the 24th annual conference of the Southeast Asia Zoos Association (SEAZA) here on Tuesday (Oct.1).
The presidents commitment reflected his intention to set a model for the management of wild animal conservation institutions with right standard, she said.
"We hope that the revitalization of the two zoos will answer the existing problem," she said in her address read out by the ministrys director of biodiversity conservation Dahono Adji said.
The four-day conference themed "Enriching Life, Maintaining Behavior and Forming the Future of Our Zoos" was attended by representatives from 21 countries, including ASEAN member states, the United States, European states, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Nurbaya said conservation institutions played an important role in enriching life -- not only animals in zoos but also millions of visitors.
In Indonesia, about 20 million people visited zoos every year, she said.
Besides providing educational facilities and experience for visitors, the Taman Safari Indonesia and aquarium also give inspirations to visitors by interacting with nature and wild animals.
(Reported by Andi Jauhari/Uu.S012/KR-BSR/B003)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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