Skip to content 
INDONESIAUPDATES.COM, News En – The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has revealed a historical connection between the Indonesian Air Force Cooperative (Puskopau) and Oriental Circus Indonesia (OCI) amid ongoing scrutiny over alleged exploitation of former circus performers.
During a hearing with Commission III of the House of Representatives, Komnas HAM Chairperson Atnike Nova Sigiro stated that the organization had obtained a 1997 decree indicating OCI was once owned by Puskopau. The document, numbered Skep/20/VII/1997, outlines the structure and operations of the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base’s operations center, and explicitly lists a circus among its general commercial service units under Article 10, letter A.
“There is a decree found by Komnas HAM connecting Puskopau to the ownership of the circus,” said Atnike at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, Wednesday (April 23, 2025). However, she emphasized the need to verify whether this ownership is still valid today, as the document dates back nearly three decades.
OCI Responds: Komnas HAM Never Concluded Human Rights Violations
In response, representatives from Oriental Circus Indonesia addressed the media to clarify the findings of the 1997 Komnas HAM report. OCI spokesperson Imam Nasef stressed that the investigation, led by Komnas HAM in 1997, did not conclude that any human rights violations had occurred.
“This is not a new story—it was thoroughly investigated by Komnas HAM. The accusations of torture or slavery have already been clarified in the 1997 investigation,” Imam said in a press briefing in Central Jakarta on Monday (April 21, 2025).
According to Imam, the monitoring process included interviews and site visits involving Komnas HAM officials, the complainant, and OCI representatives. He noted that the final recommendation used terms such as “indications” or “tendencies” of violations—not definitive conclusions.
“If you read the recommendations, you will see that there is no statement that human rights violations were proven. The language clearly shows a tendency, not a confirmation,” he added.
Komnas HAM Press Release Reinforces Position
Imam further pointed to Komnas HAM’s own press release from April 2025, which reaffirmed the findings from 1997. The language used in the release emphasized “allegations” and “indications” rather than legally binding conclusions.
“Even the most recent Komnas HAM statement did not confirm any violations—it only reviewed the past report using cautious terminology,” Imam said.
Background of the Case
The issue resurfaced after legal representatives of former OCI performers held an audience with the House’s Commission III, raising concerns about alleged exploitation and abuse—some dating back to their childhood years within the circus.
Despite the renewed attention, Komnas HAM has maintained that no official conclusion of human rights violations was ever established based on their past investigations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🧐 Was Oriental Circus Indonesia (OCI) really owned by the military?
Yes, according to a 1997 decree (Skep/20/VII/1997) obtained by Komnas HAM, OCI was listed as one of the business units under the Indonesian Air Force Base Cooperative (Puskopau). However, it’s unclear whether this ownership continues today.
⚖️ Did Komnas HAM find evidence of human rights violations at OCI?
No. Komnas HAM’s investigation in 1997 found only “indications” or “tendencies” toward violations, but it stopped short of stating that any human rights violations had been confirmed or proven.
🧾 Is there a new investigation underway?
As of now, Komnas HAM has not launched a new investigation, but the organization is reviewing whether the military’s ties to OCI still exist. New testimonies have been presented to the DPR (Commission III), which may prompt further inquiry.
📜 What was the basis of the 1997 report?
The report was based on interviews, site visits, and monitoring activities conducted by Komnas HAM in coordination with OCI and the complainants. It resulted in recommendations but did not contain any legal findings of abuse or violations.
🧑⚖️ Why is this case coming up again now?
Former performers of OCI have come forward with renewed allegations of exploitation and abuse. Their legal team recently met with Commission III of the DPR to demand a re-investigation into the matter.
FOLLOW INDONESIAUPDATES.COM ON GOOGLE NEWS
