TEMPO.CO, Surabaya - Surabaya mayor Tri Rismaharini received many questions about the management conflict in Surabaya Zoo (KBS) when she visited Berlin a few months ago. As the result of the continuing conflicts, some animals died and abandoned. "I was truly ashamed when they highlighted KBS. I could not do anything," Risma said after officially opened Rumah kreatif (Creative House) in Dupak Bangunsari, Friday, June 28.
Risma said, her initial purpose to visit Berlin was to attend the invitation to present her activities during her tenure as a mayor. She was then surprised that before the presentation, she was obliged to answer questions about the critical zoo condition from animal lovers. Risma was also questioned why not Surabaya local government takes over the management of KBS.
Risma could only explain that the management of the Zoo is conducted by the Ministry of Forestry and not her authority. "They asked, how does your country manage this? I am honestly ashamed at the time," said Risma.
According to the mayor, animal lovers in Berlin urged her to take over the zoo management soon and take care of the animals. Besides, media in Berlin had already reported the conflict happening in the zoo. The media also know about the status of the land that belongs to Surabaya local government.
In addition to the criticisms she received in Berlin, Risma said animal lover community in USA sent her a letter. They stated their consideration about the animals' condition. "They saw the animals' critical condition from the social media, and they spread out the photos through all the world," Risma said.
The urges and criticisms make Risma decide to execute KBS soon. "We are trying to execute KBS on the first week of July," Risma said.
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