Travelling to Jakarta - Jakarta Wonder No. 1

Schmutzer Primates Centre

Text by Sari Widiati Photos by Yoppy Pieter


This is one of the best animal attractions in Jakarta, and also plays an important role in conserving Indonesia's primates. Located within the Ragunan Zoo in a 13-hectare complex, the concept is an "open zoo," where the protected creatures live as if in their original habitat.

The Schmutzer Primate Center was opened on 22 August 2002, realizing the dreams of a primate enthusiast, Mrs. Pauline Antoinette Adeline Schmutzer Versteegh through the Gibbon Foundation, with the aims of conserving primate species while both educating and entertaining visitors.

The collection comprises around 190 creatures of 21 species, both Indonesian and foreign, ranging in size from the huge gorilla down to the tiny tarsier including Orang Utan from Kalimantan. The Primate Center is one of the few zoos in Asia that maintains any gorillas. It's also home to the world's second oldest chimpanzee, now aged 63.

The primate center is full of greenery, and the space is allocated very attractively. The education center presents complete information on the primates, including photos, with a very orderly layout. The open area includes special spaces where the primates can display their behavior, large cages for primate groups, a canopy for visitors who wish to observe the primates from a height of 15 meters, and a 250-meter orangutan tunnel.

Of course, visitors must obey certain rules to protect the comfort of both visitors and the "residents" who are found in nearly every corner of the area.

Pusat Primata Schmutzer
Jl. Harjono RM No. 1
Ragunan, Jakarta 12550
T. (62 21) 780 6975
F. (62 21) 780 5280