Dual Roles at KBS: Rp 10.2 Billion in Corruption, Animal Feed, and a Dark Reflection of Wildlife Park Management

Source : KOMPAS.com

LPM CAMPUS – The investigation into the alleged corruption case involving financial management at the Surabaya Zoo Regional Company (PD TS KBS) is becoming increasingly clear as the East Java High Prosecutor’s Office (Kejati Jatim) has named the former CEO of KBS for the 2016–2024 term, Choirul Anwar, as a suspect in the embezzlement of operational funds, which caused losses to the state treasury amounting to Rp 10.2 billion. According to the investigation, the problem stems from poor financial governance resulting from Choirul’s practice of holding multiple positions simultaneously—serving as CEO, CFO, and COO—which placed the entire decision-making process, from budget disbursement to accountability, entirely under his unilateral control. 

The designation of the suspect and the detention were announced directly by the Assistant for Special Criminal Cases (Aspidsus) of the East Java Provincial Attorney General’s Office, I Gede Punia Atmaja, at the East Java Provincial Attorney General’s Office. To expedite the legal process and prevent the destruction of evidence, the suspect has been remanded to the East Java Provincial Attorney General’s Office Detention Center for an initial detention period of 20 days. Based on the results of a preliminary audit conducted jointly with the East Java Regional Office of the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP), the total state losses in this case amount to Rp 10,209,664,735. The suspect’s modus operandi was systematic. Choirul is suspected of exploiting his position and authority as the company’s top executive to order staff in the Accounting and Finance Department to create fictitious accountability documents. The company’s cash reserves were withdrawn under the pretense of funding daily operations, animal feed, and facility maintenance. 

“Of the total state losses amounting to Rp 10.2 billion, the investigative team found that approximately Rp 7.4 billion is strongly suspected of having flowed directly for the suspect’s personal gain,” stated I Gede Punia Atmaja, Deputy Chief of the Special Crimes Division at the East Java Provincial Attorney General’s Office. The East Java Provincial Attorney General’s Office emphasized that the investigation does not stop at a single suspect. The Special Crimes Investigation Team is still delving into the roles of other internal officials who approved these problematic cash disbursements. 

The exposure of this case has sparked widespread public attention because it touches on the technical and operational aspects of this iconic tourist attraction in the “City of Heroes.” Based on the investigators’ findings, this practice of budget embezzlement directly impacted funds allocated for animal feed procurement, animal health care, and enclosure maintenance costs. Investigators stated that the alleged embezzlement affected funds allocated for animal feed, veterinary care, and enclosure maintenance. This pattern of misconduct has come under increasing public scrutiny, prompting the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) to urge the government to immediately conduct a comprehensive audit of all national zoos and conservation institutions. 

Source : CNN Indonesia 

In response to public concern and conflicting reports, the management of PD TS KBS moved quickly to issue a clarification. Management emphasized that the issue of abandoned or starving animals, as depicted in photos circulating on social media, is based on old footage from a previous transitional period and does not reflect the current reality. The KBS operations board assures the public that all animals currently residing at KBS are healthy, well cared for, and receiving adequate nutrition in accordance with veterinary medical standards. 

“The animals are in good condition and healthy. Supplies of feed, vitamins, supplements, and the veterinary team continue to operate at full capacity. Feed provisions are in accordance with government regulatory standards,” said a KBS representative in a statement. The zoo also confirmed that daily visitor activities are proceeding as usual. Visitors can still enjoy educational exhibits without any disruptions to operating schedules or animal education shows. 

For his actions, former KBS Director Choirul Anwar has been charged under Article 603 or, alternatively, Article 604 of Law No. 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code in conjunction with Article 18 of Law No. 31 of 1999 on the Eradication of Corruption Offenses. The suspect faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and is required to pay restitution for the state funds he misappropriated. It is hoped that this law enforcement action will serve as a catalyst for a comprehensive overhaul of KBS’s management governance to ensure it is clean and transparent. 

The case at the Surabaya Zoo (KBS) reminds the public of the crisis that once struck the Bandung Zoo. At that time, poor governance and management conflicts had a direct impact on the neglect of animals and a feed supply crisis. Both cases reveal the same critical flaws: weak financial transparency, a lack of independent oversight, and management dominance without checks and balances. To prevent similar tragedies from recurring, local governments and relevant ministries must strictly prohibit the practice of holding multiple positions simultaneously and implement regular independent financial audits. Furthermore, oversight of feed allocation and animal health must involve a team of independent veterinarians and academics to ensure adherence to animal welfare principles. 

Writer : Bela Diana Puspitasari/Physiotherapy’24 

Editor :  Naira Afza Salsabilla/Nutrition Science’23