Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi stated that KBS is being revamped to maintain its functions as a conservation institution as well as for educational and recreational purposes.
"KBS always strives to preserve wild animals outside their habitat by breeding and saving plants or animals while maintaining the purity of the species," he noted on Friday.
To support the rearrangement of KBS, the Surabaya government will utilize digital payment services (E-ticketing) and collaborate with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine from Universitas Airlangga (Unair) to increase protection and focus on mental health for animals.
"We will also work on animal development through branding loans, collaborate with other conservation institutions for animal protection measures, release additional animals, and arrange the parking area in KBS by connecting KBS with the TJ/tunnel," Cahyadi added.
Cahyadi spoke of having received several inputs from the community, Surabaya Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), and observers that KBS must remain one of the main attractions in Surabaya since it is one of the largest zoos in Southeast Asia.
"During these times, we agreed that no significant changes were made to KBS. It looked cleaner and more comfortable, but there was nothing more," he stated.
Hence, Cahyadi is keen that KBS becomes an icon in the city center and that its design is in keeping with the current trends since he sees new tourism opportunities for eastern Indonesia.
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"If the capital city is moved to Kalimantan, then Surabaya must have an interesting place. I was wondering if it would be possible to build bridges in this zoo. People can see the animals from above, and the animals would be walking freely," he noted.
Cahyadi is optimistic of the plan being implemented soon with help from professionals. The mayor will invite the DPRD, public, environmentalists, and animal observers to conduct a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on this matter.
Cahyadi emphasized that KBS must become a powerful magnet for change. He is optimistic that regional-owned enterprises (BUMD) would work along with investors to transform KBS into a modern zoo without veering away from its history as a tourist spot.
"We are optimistic of being able to provide an overview of the zoo for investors by February 2022. We need them as our regional budget (APBD) is limited," he affirmed.
Translator: Abdul Hakim, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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