Bandung City Government: YMT Must Fulfill Legality Before Bandung Zoo Opens

Archives-The elephant cage area at the Bandung Zoo (Bandung) Zoo while still operating in Bandung City, West Java. ANTARA/Rubby Jovan

BANDUNG - Bandung City Government said that the Tamansari Wildlife Foundation (YMT) must fulfill the legality of management before Bandung Zoo can resume operations (opened).

Head of Sub Division of Regional Property Security and List of Supplies of BKAD Bandung City Herman Hari Rustaman said YMT needs to apply for a rental certificate in order to have a clear legal basis before managing Bandung Zoo.

"To be able to open, it must first be clear that the legal relationship between those who manage the zoo and the Bandung City Government must be clear about the legal relationship between renting it first," said Herman in Bandung, Antara, Thursday, October 16.

Herman emphasized that his party will not grant management rights to foundations that cannot contribute to Regional Original Revenue (PAD).

Zoo management should be carried out on a clear basis, both in terms of law and contribution to regional treasury.

"It must be clear who, whether he is clear as a legal subject or he has conflicts within his organization. If everything is clear, there is payment, it is possible (to open)," he said.

He hopes that this issue will be resolved soon, so that Bandung Zoo can reopen to the community and support regional income.

If there is clarity and agreement, of course the zoo can be reopened. In principle, we want Bandung Zoo to live again as a resident's education and recreation room," he said.

Meanwhile, the Attorney for the Tamansari Wildlife Foundation (YMT), Budi Ghama, confirmed that his client is the holder of the legal mandate to manage Bandung Zoo based on the deed of the foundation which has been recognized by the Directorate General of General Legal Administration of the Ministry of Law.

"Mr. John, in accordance with the provisions regarding the deed of the foundation, has met the requirements. This means that he has received a letter from the Directorate General of AHU as a valid deed from the Tamansari Wildlife Foundation," said Budi.

Budi explained that the Chairman of YMT, John Sumampauw also won the trust of the West Java High Prosecutor's Office, as evidenced by the minutes of storing evidence in the form of six buildings in the Bandung Zoo area.

"This means that Mr. John as Chairman of YMT has a very strong legal standing," he said.

He conveyed that YMT is ready to continue managing Bandung Zoo in accordance with applicable legal provisions.