BLITAR – The Blitar City Government is preparing Joko Pangon Ecopark as a new egret habitat as officials try to relocate colonies of white egrets, locally known as burung kuntul or blekok, from the city square.
For years, the birds have nested in large banyan trees around Blitar City Square, creating a familiar urban wildlife scene. However, the growing population has also brought complaints from residents about bird droppings falling on vehicles, sidewalks, and public gathering spaces.
Mayor Syauqul Muhibbin said the government does not want to drive the birds away from the city. Instead, officials want to guide them toward a more suitable habitat that causes less disruption to public activities.
“We want to relocate them, not drive them away. Using the word ‘expel’ sounds very harsh,” he said recently.
He explained that the city square serves as one of the busiest public spaces in Blitar. Families, children, and visitors gather there every day, so cleanliness and comfort remain important priorities for the local government.
According to him, bird droppings in crowded public areas often trigger complaints from residents, especially from those who park vehicles near the northern side of the square.
To encourage the birds to move naturally, the city has installed traditional sound devices known as komplong on nearly all trees in the square.
These simple noisemakers create sounds that make the birds feel less comfortable, encouraging them to search for quieter nesting areas without using force or harmful methods.
“We installed traditional bird deterrents so they understand that the area is mainly for public activities. It would be unfortunate if people gather below while birds keep dropping waste from above,” he explained.
The mayor said Joko Pangon Ecopark offers a better long-term solution. The area has many large and shady trees that can support bird colonies while staying away from dense daily human activity.
Unlike the city square, the ecopark is quieter and receives fewer visitors. This makes it a more ideal location for birds to breed and live without disturbing public comfort.
“In Joko Pangon, there are many large trees, but the area is not heavily used for activities. Moving birds manually is difficult, but there are still many better places for these egrets away from crowded spaces,” he added.
The relocation plan has triggered mixed reactions from residents. Some support the move because of hygiene concerns, while others worry about losing a unique symbol of urban biodiversity.
Ramadhan, one of the visitors, said he often finds his motorcycle covered with bird droppings after parking near the square. Still, he believes the sight of egrets returning every afternoon has become a special attraction in the city center.
“There is an ecosystem being preserved in the heart of the city. I hope this does not become just a memory,” he said.
Another resident, Azis, also expressed concern about the relocation effort. He argued that the city should improve cleaning services instead of pushing the birds to another area.
“If cleanliness is the main reason, the Environmental Agency should optimize regular cleaning,” he said.
“I worry that rushed action could damage the ecosystem and reduce the image of Blitar as an environmentally friendly city.”
The city government insists that the relocation will happen gradually and naturally. Officials say the goal is to balance environmental protection with the need for clean and comfortable public spaces.
By preparing Joko Pangon Ecopark as an alternative habitat, the administration hopes the egret colony can continue to thrive without creating conflict between wildlife conservation and urban life.