A giant panda cub had been born at Taman Safari Indonesia, an animal theme park, in Bogor, West Java Province. The Panda Palace of the park was officially introduced Indonesia’s first-ever giant panda cub, born on 27 November 2025, after years of intensive conservation efforts and international cooperation.

“I never thought there would be a baby panda inside,” said Rina, a 32-year-old visitor from Jakarta on Tuesday, after learning that information . She was among hundreds of visitors who came to the park to see its giant pandas. “I am really excited,” Rina said. “A baby panda born in Indonesia makes us feel proud.”

The birth marks a milestone not only for wildlife conservation in Indonesia but also for the deepening ties between China and Indonesia, with the cub widely regarded as a living symbol of friendship, trust and shared responsibility for ecological protection.

The panda cub, officially unveiled on its 40th day of life yesterday (6 December), was named as Satrio Wiratama, a name rich in cultural and moral meaning. Indonesian Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni explained that the name reflects noble values deeply rooted in Indonesian tradition.

“This is the 40th day, and he has been given a very beautiful name, Satrio Wiratama, which means a brave and honorable knight with noble character,” Antoni said.

“The birth of this panda is not only the birth of an important animal, but also a symbol of the strong diplomatic relationship between Indonesia and China,” he added.

The journey to the panda’s birth was long and demanding. Antoni explained that scientists first attempted natural mating four times before resorting to assisted reproductive techniques.

“After four natural mating efforts, we performed artificial insemination, and finally, on 27 November last year, Rio was born,” he said, referring to the cub by its nickname.

Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, Wang Lutong, highlighted the symbolic importance of the birth, saying it reflects the strong friendship between China and Indonesia .

Jansen Manansang, founder of Taman Safari Indonesia, also noted the wider significance of the panda program.

“Pandas are symbols of harmony, peace and friendship,” he said.