Former Surabaya Zoo CEO Named Suspect in Rp 10.2 Billion Corruption Case

Choirul Anwar, the former CEO of Surabaya Zoo, has been officially named a suspect in a corruption case involving the mismanagement of the regional company's finances. The East Java High Prosecutor's Office announced the designation on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, alleging that Anwar's actions caused a financial loss of Rp 10.2 billion (approximately $680,000 USD).

According to I.G. Punia Atmaja, Assistant for Special Crimes at the East Java High Prosecutor's Office, the investigation revealed alleged abuse of authority in managing the zoo's finances from 2016 to 2024. Anwar is accused of using company funds for expenses not aligned with their intended purpose, fictitious expenditures, and personal benefit. He allegedly instructed the Head of Accounting & Finance, identified only by the initials STN, to disburse company funds and create falsified accountability documents for operational needs. The Director of Finance, identified as MN, reportedly approved these unauthorized cash expenditures between 2023 and 2024.

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The suspect CA allegedly used company funds for expenses that were not in accordance with their purpose, fictitious expenses, and for the personal interests of the concerned party.

Preliminary calculations by the East Java Provincial Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) estimate the financial loss to the state, specifically the Surabaya Zoo's regional company, at Rp 10,209,664,735.60. Atmaja stated that these alleged irregularities have negatively impacted the zoo's management quality. He noted that several facilities have become dirty and damaged, and many animals appeared unhealthy, emaciated, or even died due to inadequate care.

For investigative purposes, Anwar has been detained for 20 days, from July 21 to August 9, 2026, at the East Java High Prosecutor's Office detention center. Investigators are continuing to probe the case to uncover potential involvement of other parties. Anwar faces charges under Article 603 (primary) or Article 604 (subsidiary) of the Criminal Code, in conjunction with Article 18 of the Law on Eradication of Corruption Crimes.

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The alleged irregularities have impacted the decline in the quality of management of the Surabaya Zoo. Some facilities have become dirty and damaged. Furthermore, some animals appear unhealthy, thin, and even died due to not receiving adequate care.