JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has set an ambitious target to sterilize 21,000 domestic cats across the capital by the end of 2025.

This initiative, which was announced during a press conference on March 13, 2025, follows the governor’s recent achievement in receiving a MURI (Museum of Records of Indonesia) award for setting the record for the most stray cat sterilizations ever carried out in Jakarta. Pramono emphasized that this goal will significantly help control the population of stray and domestic cats, which is crucial for the city’s animal welfare programs.

The sterilization campaign aims to reduce the number of stray cats, preventing further overpopulation and improving the health and quality of life for the animals. Pramono highlighted the importance of sterilizing male cats as part of the broader plan to tackle the growing number of both stray and domestic cats in urban areas. “We’ve already sterilized over 1,000 cats, and I’m hopeful that we will meet the target of 21,000 this year,” said Pramono during the event.

In addition to sterilization, the governor also outlined plans to improve the quality of Jakarta’s animal care facilities. One such initiative includes the enhancement of the city’s veterinary clinics, such as the one located in Ragunan, South Jakarta. Pramono hopes to establish animal health clinics in each district and city across Jakarta by the end of his term, which would ensure better accessibility to veterinary services for residents and their pets.

Pramono also addressed the social and cultural challenges surrounding animal welfare in Jakarta. While some residents are not accustomed to the presence of domestic cats, and others even suffer from allergies, he emphasized that a compassionate approach to animal care is essential. “We will make sure that cats in Jakarta can live comfortably, and that people will become more accepting of their presence,” Pramono stated, highlighting his vision for a city that is more inclusive of animals in urban spaces.

Another notable aspect of the initiative is Pramono’s proposal for creating a dedicated “cat island” in Jakarta’s Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu). Drawing inspiration from Japan, where cat islands have become popular tourist destinations, Pramono suggested that such a project could not only provide a sanctuary for cats but also serve as an attraction for visitors. This idea, he believes, could be a unique opportunity for the region to boost tourism while addressing the stray cat issue.

Sonny Kastara Dhaniswara, one of the initiators of the MURI record submission, was present during the award ceremony and praised Pramono for his groundbreaking efforts in animal welfare. “Pramono Anung is the first official to carry out the largest sterilization program in the country. This could mark the beginning of a better ecosystem for cats, especially in Jakarta,” Dhaniswara stated.

As Jakarta moves forward with this animal welfare initiative, Pramono’s leadership is garnering attention as a model for cities worldwide. The sterilization program is not only a key step in controlling the stray cat population but also an effort to improve the quality of life for residents, ensuring a cleaner and safer environment. By combining public awareness, community collaboration, and innovative solutions like the cat island concept, Pramono Anung is setting a new standard for urban animal care on a global scale. (Uki Ruknuddin)

 

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