Lestari Moondijat emphasizes the importance of taking care of animals for sustainability

Jakarta – Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly, Lestari Moerdijat, emphasized that concerns about animal welfare are an important part of the efforts to maintain ecological balance and the sustainability of life on earth. “The existence of every living being, including humans, animals and plants, has a mutually beneficial symbiosis to support the survival of life,” Lestari said in a written statement on Wednesday (15/10/2025). He transferred it into an online discussion with the theme ‘Animal Welfare is the Welfare of the Earth’ held today by the Denpasar 12 discussion forum. Browse to continue with the content The discussion was moderated by expert staff, Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly, Arimbi Heroeputri, and offered a number of speakers, such as the Supervisory Board of the Indonesian Zoo Association (PKBSI) Danny Gunalen, founder of the Pejaten Animal Shelter Susana Somalia, and the animals Shaananti Shamdasani. Also present was a member of Commission IV DPR RI, Sulaeman L. Hamzah, as a respond. According to Lestari, ecological balance and ecosystems place animals as an important part in the chain of life. However, he emphasized that there are still many problems facing wild animals and tame animals, which need specific treatment to maintain the sustainability of the ecosystem. Lestari, who is also a member of the Commission X DPR RI, hopes that all parties can build a comprehensive animal protection and welfare system in Indonesia. PKBSI supervisory advice Danny Gunalen said that a number of zoos in Indonesia are starting to implement a fenced system as a form of fulfilling the welfare of wild animals. He believes that this step also supports the concept of Eco Tourism. Danny also has the presence of Act No. 32/2024 regarding the conservation of biological natural resources and ecosystems that strengthen law enforcement and animal welfare. However, he emphasized the importance of raising public awareness and the effectiveness of enforcing these regulations. Animal Observer, Shaanti Shamdasani, emphasized that animals are leading creatures that should not be treated at random. “We see animals as living beings, not assets. So we cannot treat animals arbitrarily,” Shaanti said. He added that advocacy and public outreach are important to change the view of animals. According to him, in the attempt to propose a draft animal welfare, what needs to be prioritized, the ease with which animals can access food, drink, get medicine if they are sick and not treated hard. Pejaten Animal Shelter founder Susana Somali said her party saved more than 2500 stray dogs and implemented an open adoption system. He hopes the government can provide suitable land for animal shelters. He added that Pejaten Animal Shelter not only saves dogs, but also cats, ferrets and wild pigs. Susana really hopes that animal protection laws will come soon as part of the efforts to protect animals from various threats of violence, such as those performed by a number of breeders who regularly force dogs to reproduce. Meanwhile, a member of Commission IV DPR Ri Sulaeman L. Hamzah believes that public education is the key to realizing animal welfare. He said the Animal Protection Bill and Welfare were included in the 2026 legislative priority list, but still have to be completed with an academic text. Sulaeman hopes that cooperation between parties can accelerate the birth of a stronger animal protection system in Indonesia. (Akn/Ega)