“Curious about the oldest zoo in Indonesia?” Here we are in front of Taman Eks. Kandang Rusa. It is commonly known as Ragunan Zoo. This zoo is not just a place to see animals. It is a place with a long and interesting history.
Let’s step back in time. The zoo was established in 1864. It was founded by a Dutch East Indies flora and fauna lovers organization. The organization was called Vereneging Planten en Dierentuin of Batavia. Raden Saleh was a prominent Indonesian painter. He donated about 10 hectares of his land. This land was in the Cikini area of Central Jakarta. It was for Batavia’s first zoo.
Originally, the zoo was named “Planten en Dierentuin”. It was managed by the Culture Vereniging Planten en Dierentuin at Batavia. Raden Saleh gave 10 hectares of land for its establishment. This park and zoo quickly became popular. The people of Batavia loved it.
In 1949, after Indonesia’s independence, its name changed. It became Kebun Binatang Cikini. Cikini Zoo became a favorite destination for Jakarta residents. However, the Cikini location became unsuitable. The city’s development made it impossible to expand. More space was needed for the animal collection.
In 1964, Dr. Soemarno was the Governor of DCI Jakarta. He formed a body to prepare for the zoo’s development. The zoo was moved from Jl. Cikini Raya no 73 to Pasar Minggu. Drh. T.H.E.W. Umboh chaired this body. The government granted 30 hectares of land in Ragunan. It was about 20 km from the city center. More than 450 animals were moved from Cikini Zoo to Ragunan. These animals were the last of Cikini Zoo’s collection.
The Ragunan Zoo officially opened on June 22, 1966. The Governor of Jakarta, Major General Ali Sadikin, opened it. It was named Taman Margasatwa Ragunan.
In 1974, Benjamin Galstaun became the first director of Taman Margasatwa Ragunan. The name changed again in 1983. It became Badan Pengelola Kebun Binatang Ragunan. In 2001, it changed to Kantor Taman Margasatwa Ragunan. The name changed several more times. In 2009, it became UPT Taman Margasatwa Ragunan. In 2010, it was renamed BLUD Taman Margasatwa Ragunan.
Today, Taman Margasatwa Ragunan covers 147 hectares. It houses 2,101 animals from 220 species. In 2015, it was renamed Kantor Pengelola Taman Margasatwa Ragunan. This change followed Regional Regulation Number 12 of 2014.
Taman Eks. Kandang Rusa is not only about its history. It is also about the animals it protects. The zoo is home to many endangered species from Indonesia and the world. You can see Sumatran tigers. You can observe the tapir. You can see anoa and babirusa.
One special part of the zoo is the Schmutzer Primate Centre. Pauline Antoinette Schmutzer’s estate funded this center. It houses gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans. The orangutan enclosure was designed to mimic their natural habitat. Visitors can observe the primates through thick glass. The primates cannot see the visitors.
So, as you wander through Taman Eks. Kandang Rusa, remember its journey. From a small garden in Cikini to a large conservation park in Ragunan. It is a place of history, conservation, and education. It’s a treasure for Jakarta and Indonesia.