JAKARTA– Anies Baswedan expressed that a cat is a living creature with the same right to life as humans, insisting that they should not be treated as pests.

He views cats as creatures of God, and humans have a responsibility to manage and care for them properly.

"Cats are living beings that have the right to live well, and we have a responsibility in Jakarta to ensure all living creatures can live decently," Anies said in Pejaten, South Jakarta, on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.

He criticized the action of putting cats into plastic bags as extremely uncivilized and far removed from humanitarian values.

As a true cat lover, Anies emphasized that cats should not be seen as pests because they too are God’s creation.

"Such actions should never be taken. They are completely removed from civilized values, far from the basic principles of a compassionate humanity," he strongly stated.

The former Governor of Jakarta regretted the attitude of the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) management and urged them to collaborate with animal lover communities to find the right solution.

According to Anies, cat lover communities certainly have experience in managing such situations.

"In my opinion, these cats should be cared for. We should engage communities; from our experience in managing such matters, involve animal lover communities to find the most appropriate solution," he explained.

The former Minister of Education and Culture thanked the animal lover community for their experience and innovative approaches to animal welfare, particularly for cats.

"Because I often thank animal lovers, as they have experience, innovation, breakthroughs, networks, and resources that can turn what is assumed to be a problem into not a problem at all," he said.

"For example, cats are considered a problem, but actually, these cats can be seen as an opportunity to demonstrate our love for animals. So, involve the community and never put cats in plastic bags, that is absolutely not allowed," he added.

It was reported that a video showing cats in plastic bags at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium went viral on social media.

The video, shared by TikTok user @gravvsr, shows pest control officers capturing two cats, which were then placed into plastic sacks. The orange and gray cats were then taken outside the GBK area.

"It's crazy that a place like GBK would put cats in plastic..." said the video’s poster on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.

Additionally, Governor Anies Baswedan's affection isn't limited to humans but extends to animals, which are also part of God's creation.

Anies introduced a three-legged cat named Lego. Lego has white and gray fur. Anies was seen playing and feeding snacks to Lego.

"Lego here has three legs. Actually, born with four but found in the market with one damaged leg, likely abused back then," Anies shared in an Instagram video.

Anies mentioned that Lego was initially found by a veterinarian who amputated the injured leg. Anies then took care of Lego after the amputation. He explained that Lego had experienced trauma from the abuse until now.

"Lego has been with us since he was very young, and initially, he seemed traumatized by abuse, so he's still afraid of people," he said.

Anies described that Lego has the run of the house and can sleep in anyone's bed without being forced.

"If he sleeps, he has to be with us. So he usually sleeps in our bed because he feels safe with people. Now, he alternates sleeping in the kids' room and ours," he disclosed.

Anies Baswedan owns six cats at his private residence: Lego, Aslan, Oboy, Snowball, Mocha, and Wednesday.