Now, the Indonesian government itself is asking for a new police investigation. This latest investigation will look into claims of abuse and exploitation of former child performers from the formerly famous Oriental Circus Indonesia (OCI). Their delegation of eight ex-employees met with officials from the Human Rights Ministry and the House of Representatives. They’re looking for justice owing to the abuses that they assert were inflicted on them during their time working with the circus, back in the 1970s.
Founded in 1971 by Hadi Manansang, OCI went on to become one of Indonesia’s first and most beloved contemporary circus troupes. The organization has continued on through 1997 and even staged its last commemorative performance in 2020 to mark its 50th anniversary. Our friend and colleague Hadi Manansang died recently. His legacy continued through his children, Jansen Manansang, Frans Manansang, and Tony Sumampau, who established Taman Safari Indonesia in 1981.
Charges against OCI state that leadership signed up over 60 low income kids. Many of these children are under the age of two, and they’re already forced to become performers through this practice. News reports reveal that these children experienced a litany of violations to their most fundamental protection and right. They were stripped of their rights to nationality, education and social safety.
In 1999, local police closed their investigation into the alleged abuses for lack of evidence. Recent testimony by former child performers has again brought to light abuses that children faced under OCI. Odessa, one of the female performers, told the story of how she was taken away from her newborn baby—who grew up to be a female performer herself. According to an Associated Press report, management punished child performers by whipping them with rattan sticks. Little did we know that at the time, this practice was considered the “norm.”
Responding to these allegations, Tony Sumampau from Taman Safari Indonesia has rejected allegations made by former OCI performers. The Human Rights Minister continued to call on The National Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) to do so. In fact, he’s asking them to reopen the investigation into these allegations.
“Although this is officially a recommendation, it is binding for the police, and they are obligated to follow through.” – Tempo.co
Munafrizal Manan, a representative from Indonesia’s Human Rights Ministry, emphasized these significant and widespread violations. Such violations include attacks on children’s rights to identity, freedom from economic exploitation, access to education, and protection through safety and social security.
“These include violations of their rights to identity, freedom from economic exploitation, access to education and the right to safety and social security.” – Munafrizal Manan
Manan further recognized the difficulties in investigating cases like these. As he mentioned, the ministry’s ability to investigate is extremely limited, and it all rests on their power to cooperate and the parties involved.
“Our investigation capacity is very limited and depends entirely on the cooperation of the parties involved.” – Munafrizal Manan
“This lack of authority severely hampers our ability to verify the facts.” – Munafrizal Manan
The call for justice sheds light on deeper issues with child welfare in performance arts in Indonesia. As these examples show, public awareness of past injustices and inequities is growing. Millions are counting on you to act forcefully enough to punish these grave accusations.
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