Chairperson of Commission D at the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), Yuke Yurike, voiced strong support for transforming Ragunan Zoo into a recreational and educational space accessible to all citizens. She described the ongoing trial of nighttime opening hours as a positive innovation, provided that animal welfare and affordability for visitors remain top priorities. Emphasizing that Ragunan is a conservation area rather than a commercial venue, Yuke underscored that ticket prices must continue to reflect its role as an affordable public attraction. Her stance highlights the delicate balance between promoting tourism revenue and preserving the zoo’s social mission as a people’s park.
Yuke acknowledged that if the initiative contributes to increasing Regional Original Revenue (PAD), it may be beneficial—so long as accessibility for lower-income residents is not compromised. She also pointed out several areas for improvement based on the trial, such as lighting arrangements and visitor facilities. Most importantly, she warned against disturbances to the animals, noting that any additional lighting must be animal-friendly and visitors must be reminded to avoid loud noises or shining lights into the animals’ eyes. This measured approach reflects her focus on sustainable tourism that respects both biodiversity and public enjoyment.
Currently, the night operations remain limited to recreational, sports, and nocturnal animal education activities. Yuke noted that only ten buggy cars are available for rent at Rp250,000 each, raising concerns that the added cost could make the experience less accessible for working-class families. To ensure fairness, she urged that pricing structures be reviewed to keep Ragunan inclusive. She also recommended enhancements to visitor safety—such as adding CCTV, better lighting, and marked “glow-in-the-dark” paths—to help visitors navigate the large zoo safely after dark.
Yuke praised the strong public enthusiasm for the nighttime trial and reaffirmed that the DPRD supports extending Ragunan’s hours once all technical and budgetary preparations are in place. She proposed that evening events incorporate small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and educational attractions that align with the zoo’s conservation ethos. Entertainment, she added, should be quiet, instructive, and sensitive to animal welfare. Ultimately, Yuke emphasized that Ragunan’s development must maintain a careful equilibrium among conservation, recreation, and economic value—ensuring it remains a green, affordable refuge for Jakarta’s residents.
Alexander Jason – Redaksi
