Surabaya Zoo Animal Health Improves Post-Corruption Scandal, Claims Mayor

Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi has claimed that the health of animals at the Surabaya Zoo (KBS) is gradually improving. He asserted that there have been no animal deaths in the last three years. This statement comes amidst legal proceedings against Choirul Anwar (CA), the former General Manager of PD Taman Satwa KBS from 2016 to 2024, who is implicated in an alleged corruption case involving Rp10.2 billion in company funds. Cahyadi acknowledged that the financial irregularities committed by Anwar had impacted the animals' well-being, leading to animal deaths in 2023. However, he assured that since 2024, no animals have suffered from health issues or died due to the alleged corruption. "Alhamdulillah, since 2024, [animal deaths] have not occurred. End of 2023, 2024, 2025, they have not occurred. Because they are being monitored," Cahyadi stated at the Surabaya City Hall. The issue reportedly began with significant discrepancies found between KBS's financial records and its actual cash balance, a situation that persisted from the era of former Mayor Tri Rismaharini to the current administration. KBS's finances underwent an audit by an independent team, a departure from previous internal audit mechanisms. "Usually, audits are chosen by the BUMD themselves. But when I read the audit, I felt something was [suspicious], so I requested an audit," the Mayor added. The independent audit process, recommended by the Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK), revealed financial irregularities amounting to Rp10.2 billion. Meanwhile, Lintang Ratri Sunarwidhi, Head of Public Relations at KBS, stated that the zoo has adopted different animal care standards since transitioning to a regional general enterprise (Perumda) in February 2026, differentiating from previous management. "We are providing care according to existing regulations. With this Perumda, we have differentiated our care from the previous management. Now, we must adjust to the animals' needs," Lintang said. She explained that animal nutritional needs are now calculated based on each animal's age and ideal body weight, with feed quality also being strictly maintained. Animals are fed twice daily to facilitate health monitoring. Lintang affirmed that KBS respects the ongoing legal process and ensures the institution's operations continue normally. Previously, the East Java High Prosecutor's Office named Choirul Anwar (CA), former General Manager of PD TS KBS, a suspect in the alleged corruption of Rp10.2 billion in company funds between 2016 and 2024. During his tenure, CA allegedly abused his authority by misusing company budget funds for unauthorized and fictitious expenditures, including personal use, totaling Rp10,209,664,735.60. CA reportedly employed a modus operandi of inflating animal feed budgets, reducing the actual amount of feed provided while fabricating reports to appear compliant. This alleged corruption not only harmed state finances but also led to the neglect of the Surabaya Zoo, resulting in animal deaths due to starvation. Source: CNN Indonesia