TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Indonesia's East Java High Prosecutor's Office has named former Surabaya Zoo Chief Executive Officer Choirul Anwar a suspect in an alleged corruption case involving the management of the zoo's finances between 2016 and 2024.
Investigators suspect Choirul's actions caused state losses of Rp10.2 billion (around US$630,000).
The office's Assistant for Special Criminal Investigations, I.G. Punia Atmaja, said Choirul was named a suspect based on an assignment letter issued on July 21, 2026. The investigation found alleged abuse of authority in the financial management of Surabaya Zoo during his tenure.
"The suspect, CA, is suspected of using company funds for unauthorized expenses, fictitious expenditures, and personal interests," Punia said in a written statement published on the East Java High Prosecutor's Office website.
Alleged Misuse of Zoo Funds
Punia said Choirul allegedly instructed the head of the Accounting and Finance Department, identified by the initials STN, to disburse company funds and prepare fictitious accountability documents for operational expenses.
He added that the zoo's Finance Director, identified by the initials MN, allegedly approved unauthorized cash disbursements during 2023-2024.
Based on preliminary calculations by the East Java branch of the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP), the alleged misconduct resulted in losses of Rp10,209,664,735.60 to the regional-owned company that manages Surabaya Zoo, known as Taman Satwa Kebun Binatang Surabaya.
Investigation Continues
Punia said the alleged financial irregularities affected the quality of Surabaya Zoo's management, with several facilities becoming poorly maintained and damaged. He added that some animals appeared unhealthy, underweight, or died due to inadequate care.
For investigative purposes, prosecutors detained Choirul for an initial 20-day period at the East Java High Prosecutor's Office detention facility from July 21 to August 9, 2026.
Investigators are continuing to examine the case and have not ruled out the involvement of other parties.
Choirul is suspected of violating Article 603 as the primary charge or Article 604 as an alternative charge under the Criminal Code Law, in conjunction with Article 18 of Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Law.
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