Ragunan Zoo's Night Opening Trial Receives Positive Feedback

Jakarta Council (DPRD) Commission D Chairperson, Yuke Yurike, expressed her support for efforts to develop Ragunan Zoo as a recreational and educational space that is inclusive and accessible for all residents.

"Ragunan should be affordable entertainment for everyone,"

She considered the nighttime trial at Ragunan a positive step, as long as it ensures animal welfare and remains affordable for the public.

Night Tour of Ragunan Zoo Popular Among the Public

“Ragunan is a conservation area, so it cannot be treated freely for business activities and the like. We've long agreed that Ragunan should be affordable entertainment for everyone, which is why ticket prices are always kept low,” said Yuke on Friday (10/17).

She noted that if the goal of nighttime operations is to increase Locally-Generated Revenue (PAD), that could be acceptable. However, she emphasized that the core principle must be ensuring Ragunan remains a public space for Jakarta residents, particularly those from lower-income groups.

Yuke added that the trial run revealed areas that still need improvement, including lighting and visitor facilities.

“What matters most is ensuring the animals are not disturbed. If additional lighting is installed, it must be animal-friendly. Visitors also need to be guided, for example, with signs prohibiting loud noises or shining lights directly into animals' eyes,” she explained.

Currently, the nighttime trial at Ragunan is limited to recreation, sports, and nocturnal animal education.

“There are only about 10 buggy cars for five people each, rented at Rp250,000. That’s an additional cost beyond the entrance ticket. This should be considered carefully so that lower-income families can still afford to visit,” she added.

Yuke also emphasized the importance of ensuring visitor safety and comfort, including installing additional CCTV cameras, improving path lighting, and limiting access to certain areas at night.

“Ragunan is a vast area. It's crucial to ensure safe walking paths, possibly with glow-in-the-dark signs or designated routes to minimize risks for visitors,” she mentioned.

Yuke also responded to the public's enthusiasm over the nighttime tours trial at Ragunan. She noted that Jakarta DPRD supports the idea, as long as all technical aspects are fully prepared.

“If everything is ready, including the budget and operational scheme, we'll support it. After all, the goal is to bring joy to Jakarta residents,” she asserted.

Yuke also suggested adding MSMEs and educational attractions into Ragunan's nighttime activities, as long as they don't disturb the animals.

“It's fine to have additional activities like MSMEs or educational attractions, as long as they are not noisy and do not disturb the animals. If there is entertainment, it should ideally be educational,” she shared.

She underscored that the key priority of this policy is to balance conservation, recreation, and economic functions.

“Jakarta still lacks affordable green spaces and recreational areas. Ragunan should be a place where people can exercise, relax, and reconnect with nature. If everything is ready and accessible, we will surely support it,” she affirmed.