TheJakartaPost

Please Update your browser

Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.

Jakarta Post

Taman Safari founders under scrutiny over abuse, exploitation allegations

According to the performers' legal representative, the circus management allegedly took in more than 60 underprivileged children, some as young as two years old, from their families and trained them as performers. They were reportedly denied salaries, education and any documentation of their identities or family ties.

News Desk (The Jakarta Post)
Premium
Jakarta
Wed, April 23, 2025 Published on Apr. 22, 2025 Published on 2025-04-22T16:09:48+07:00

Change text size

Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone

Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Taman Safari founders under scrutiny over abuse, exploitation allegations Laughing matter: Two clowns entertain the audience during a performance of The Great 50 Show by Oriental Circus Indonesia. JP/Dhoni Setiawan (JP/Dhoni Setiawan)

T

he founders of Taman Safari Indonesia, a prominent wildlife park in Bogor, West Java, are in hot water over allegations that they exploited and abused children in a now-defunct circus formerly run by their family.

Eight former workers of the Oriental Circus Indonesia (OCI) recently visited the Human Rights Ministry and the House of Representatives, demanding justice for the abuse they claim to have endured while employed as child performers in the circus during the 1970s.

Founded in 1971 by Hadi Manansang, the OCI was one of the country’s first and most popular modern circus groups. It remained active until 1997, with a final commemorative performance held in 2020 to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Hadi has since passed away.

Hadi's children, Jansen Manansang, Frans Manansang and Tony Sumampau, who also performed in the circus, went on to establish Taman Safari Indonesia in 1981. Former OCI performers have accused them of being involved in the alleged abuse that occurred during the circus's operation.

According to the performers' legal representative, the circus management allegedly took in more than 60 underprivileged children, some as young as two years old from their families and trained them as performers. They were reportedly denied salaries, education and any documentation of their identities or family ties.

One former performer, Meiliana Damayanti, claimed she was taken from her family at around two or three years old in the early 1970s and was trained in acrobatics at the circus.

Morning Brief

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning.

Delivered straight to your inbox three times weekly, this curated briefing provides a concise overview of the day's most important issues, covering a wide range of topics from politics to culture and society.

By registering, you agree with The Jakarta Post's

Thank You

for signing up our newsletter!

Please check your email for your newsletter subscription.

View More Newsletter

“I don’t even know my exact age or real birth name as they never gave me my birth certificate,” Meiliana said during a recent visit to the Human Rights Ministry, as quoted by Tempo.co.

to Read Full Story

  • Unlimited access to our web and app content
  • e-Post daily digital newspaper
  • No advertisements, no interruptions
  • Privileged access to our events and programs
  • Subscription to our newsletters
or

Purchase access to this article for

We accept

TJP - Visa
TJP - Mastercard
TJP - GoPay

Redirecting you to payment page

Pay per article

Taman Safari founders under scrutiny over abuse, exploitation allegations

Rp 35,000 / article

1
Create your free account
By proceeding, you consent to the revised Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.
Already have an account?

2
  • Palmerat Barat No. 142-143
  • Central Jakarta
  • DKI Jakarta
  • Indonesia
  • 10270
  • +6283816779933
2
Total Rp 35,000

Your Opinion Matters

Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.

Enter at least 30 characters
0 / 30

Thank You

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.

Share options

Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!

Change text size options

Customize your reading experience by adjusting the text size to small, medium, or large—find what’s most comfortable for you.

Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone

Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!

Continue in the app

Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.