Jakarta (ANTARA) - A member of Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR), Safaruddin, has called for a fair resolution to the case of alleged abuse and exploitation of former performers by Oriental Circus Indonesia (OCI) Taman Safari.

He noted that the case does not merely pertain to decent wages or insurance compensation, but also concerns business ethics and respect for human rights.

Therefore, the state must be present to protect its citizens who are harmed by business practices, he emphasized.

"What is the point of running a business but ignoring human rights?" he asked on Tuesday.

He then highlighted several aspects of the case, ranging from work accidents involving circus performers that were not handled properly and the alleged exploitation of minors to promises of education abroad that turned into forced employment as circus performers.

"I am also questioning the role of the West Java Regional Police when the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) had issued a recommendation indicating alleged human rights violations," he added.

Safaruddin also called for clarity on the initial motive of the OCI, which promised to send some children to study abroad but forced them to become circus performers instead.

He criticized the slow law enforcement response to the long-standing allegations of exploitation, noting the lack of prioritized legal action despite Komnas HAM's findings.

"Is it reasonable for authorities to seemingly condone such behavior?" he asked.

Following a meeting on Monday, Commission III has given OCI management and the former performers a seven-day ultimatum to reach an amicable settlement.

Should no agreement be reached within this timeframe, the commission stipulated that the case will be pursued through legal channels.

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Translator: Bagus Ahmad R, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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