August 25, 2025
JAKARTA – Jakartans may soon be able to enjoy the wilderness of Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta after dark, as the city administration considers a plan to extend the zoo’s operating hours into the evening.
While Jakarta governor Pramono Anung’s proposal for a night zoo offers the prospect of a new recreational experience and economic opportunities, experts caution that animal welfare must remain the top priority.
Ragunan Zoo is among the capital’s most popular attractions, drawing up to 6 million visitors each year. Established more than a century ago, it now spans 147 hectares and houses nearly 2,300 animals across 218 species.
First opened in 1864 under the name Planten En Dierentuin, “Plants and Zoo” in Dutch, in Cikini, Central Jakarta, on land donated by painter Raden Saleh, the zoo was relocated to its current Pasar Minggu site in 1966.
Today, it is home to numerous endangered animals such as Kalimantan orangutans, Sumatran tigers and Sumatran elephants.
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Zoo spokesperson Bambang Wahyudi confirmed that management supported the governor’s idea in principle yet urged caution.
“We basically agree with the initiative to extend our operational hours. But we still need more time to study the plan,” Bambang told The Jakarta Post earlier this week. “Animal welfare is at the core of our priority.”
Some visitors welcomed the initiative, but pointed out potential challenges, particularly security.
“I think it would bring a unique experience. But the area is so vast and rather gloomy. There should be more lighting and security cameras before opening [the night zoo],” said visitor Anindya Fitri.
Meanwhile, food vendor Wasih who works within the area expressed optimism that extended hours “will bring more income for us who typically earn less income during the daytime.”
The proposal follows Governor Pramono’s recent initiative to expand access to public spaces by opening five parks, Menteng and Lapangan Banteng in Central Jakarta, as well as Langsat, Ayodya and Martha Christina Tiahahu in South Jakarta, around the clock, as part of his campaign to boost nighttime economic activity in the capital.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the zoo on Aug. 14, Pramono said he would “carefully consider” the plan to extend operating hours, noting that zoos in other countries, including neighboring Singapore, typically remain open from morning until evening.
“Can Ragunan follow suit? Of course, we will arrange this in great detail,” he said, as quoted by Antara.
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Welfare concerns
Wildlife veterinarian Nur Purba Priambada noted that only certain animals, such as lions, owls and hippos, would thrive in nighttime settings. Diurnal primates like orangutans, gorillas and monkeys, by contrast, rely on nighttime rest.
He further warned that the country lacks standardized guidelines for after-hours zoo operations. “Hence, a very thorough preparation is needed, whether in terms of animal collection, human resources or supporting facilities,” Nur Purba said.
He pointed to Taman Safari in Bogor as a potential model, where nocturnal and diurnal species are kept separate to avoid disrupting natural cycles.
“Visitors also need to be extra careful and fully understand the concept behind a night zoo,” he added.
Animal activist and Padjadjaran University lecturer Herlina Agustin argued that the concept could work if carefully managed.
“There should be no excessive lights, noise or human interaction during the night display, especially with diurnal animals,” she said on Tuesday.
The night zoo, she added, could educate the public about the hidden lives of nocturnal animals, but if the plan is driven mainly by tourism, “it risks disrupting animal welfare.”