The Jakarta Government has once again achieved recognition by receiving an award from the Indonesian World Record Museum (MURI) for the largest cat sterilization program.

This doesn't mean eliminating their existence but is done with an animal welfare approach

The program run by the Jakarta Food Security, Maritime and Agriculture Agency (KPKP) is part of the government's efforts to control the population of stray cats and maintain Jakarta as a rabies-free city.

Jakarta KPKP Agency Head, Suharini Eliawati said this program is a strategic step towards creating a healthier and more animal-friendly environment.

"This doesn't mean eliminating their existence but is done with an animal welfare approach, one of which is through sterilization," she expressed, Friday (3/14).

She explained the uncontrolled growth of the stray cat population in Jakarta has caused various environmental impacts, such as pollution from waste, property damage, and the potential spread of diseases.

She continued a total of 465 reports from the public regarding disturbances caused by stray cats in 2024.

"Sterilization is the best solution to address this issue without causing harm to animals. With this program, we can humanely and sustainably control the growth of the stray cat population," she continued.

She added the sterilization program aimed at preventing a surge in the population of stray cats that impacts the environment and public health, as well as to reduce acts of violence against animals due to population imbalance.

"Another aim is to reduce the risk of disease transmission from animals to humans and to maintain Jakarta's status as a rabies-free area, while also making Jakarta a pet-friendly and sustainable city," she uttered.

According to her, the Jakarta Government has set an ambitious target for this program. Around 1,000 male cats were successfully sterilized during the sterilization event held at Judo Building in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, from February 22 to 23, 2025. Overall, the annual target for this program is 21,000 cats to be sterilized throughout the year 2025.

This success of this program is inseparable from the collaboration between Jakarta Government and various parties, including the Jakarta Branch Indonesian Veterinary Association (PDHI), practicing veterinarians, animal-loving communities, and volunteers.

"We appreciate all parties involved in this program. The active participation of the community and volunteers is very helpful in creating a Jakarta that is more caring towards animal welfare," she said.

She added the Jakarta Government reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting the sustainable mass sterilization program. This program will also be combined with education for the community to be more concerned about animal welfare and the environment.

“In the future, we'll ensure adequate budget allocation to support animal sterilization and vaccination. So, Jakarta can keep maintaining its status as a rabies-free city and become increasingly friendly towards animals," he closed.