Viral! Bogor Botanical Gardens Accused Of Extortion, This Is The Manager's Explanation

Illustration of illegal levies or extortion (ANTARA)

JAKARTA The manager of the Bogor Botanical Gardens, PT Mitra Natura Raya (MNR), has clarified the viral video on Instagram social media which accuses the existence of illegal levies (extortion) by Botanical Garden security officers. The video was uploaded by the @uc.you account through the Instagram Story feature and was widely discussed by the public.

General Manager of Corporate Communication of PT Mitra Natura Raya, Zaenal Arifin, emphasized that his party will take firm action against any extortion actions taken by anyone, both internally and externally, within the Bogor Botanical Gardens area. According to him, the sense of security and comfort of visitors is a top priority.

Regarding this case, the Instagram account @uc.you and the group held an employee gathering at the Bogor Botanical Gardens on Monday, August 11, 2025, without any prior confirmation from the manager. Therefore, the security officers asked the committee about the event," said Zaenal in his statement, Wednesday (20/8).

Zaenal explained that the Bogor Botanical Gardens have clear rules for those who want to hold an event. Managers need to know first the type of event in order to direct the allowed area and convey things that are permissible and should not be done. This is done in order to maintain the comfort of other visitors and preserve the conservation area.

They came directly to make an event without paying the land rental, only paying for entry and parking tickets. Because there was no notification, the security officers asked the applicable rules, not committing extortion, "said Zaenal.

He also clarified the additional costs of Rp. 15,000 per person charged to the group. According to him, the fee does not apply to individual visitors.

For the group, food brought from outside usually has the potential to leave garbage. Therefore, the cost of cleanliness is enforced. We also urge visitors not to bring disposable food packages and it is better to use containers that can be brought back," said Zaenal.

With this clarification, MNR hopes that the public will get a clearer understanding of the rules for using the Bogor Botanical Gardens facility as well as overcoming extortion issues that had gone viral.