Jakarta is increasingly demonstrating its seriousness in creating a more animal-friendly city, and behind this major initiative, Dr. drh. Albiruni Haryo, M.Sc, AP.Vet plays a key role as an advisor and leader of a specialised team in the programme to improve animal welfare in the city.
As a lecturer at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Dr. Albiruni not only contributes to the academic field but also takes an active role in bringing about real change on the ground. His commitment is further evidenced by the establishment of Rumah Sakit Hewan Satwa Sehat Jakarta, a veterinary hospital owned by Dr. Albiruni, which will soon open its services in South Jakarta. This hospital is also expected to become a centre for high-quality medical care and support broader animal health programmes for the community.
Under his leadership, a special cross-sectoral collaboration team—comprising academics, animal welfare communities, and government representatives—has formulated concrete steps to reduce the number of animals experiencing welfare gaps. The team has taken proactive measures by increasing the sterilisation rate of cats and actively advocating for science-based policies to create a safer environment for both animals and humans.
Beyond these efforts, the Governor of Jakarta, guided and supported by Dr. Albiruni’s team, plans to enhance both the quality and quantity of veterinary health centres in the city. Another visionary initiative is the establishment of Cat Island, a sanctuary for stray cats designed with a modern and sustainable animal welfare management concept.
With a scientific approach, empathy, and real action, Jakarta is now making significant strides towards becoming Indonesia’s first Animal-Friendly City. Dr. Albiruni’s role in this movement is not only a milestone in animal welfare but also an inspiration for other cities to follow Jakarta’s lead in creating a more harmonious ecosystem for all living beings.
Jakarta, 13 March 2025
