Circus performances have long been a source of entertainment for audiences of all ages. These shows often result from rigorous and disciplined training carried out well in advance to ensure an engaging and polished experience for viewers.
However, behind the spectacle and laughter lies a lesser-known issue: child exploitation in the circus world, which can potentially lead to human rights violations.
One major concern is that children trained to perform may not have guaranteed access to full educational rights.
Professor Dr. Dafri Agussalim, a professor at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Fisipol UGM), stated that circus operations have the potential to violate children’s rights, particularly their right to education, which is not always ensured by circus organizers.
“We can imagine these children having to train and work hard, performing from morning until night,” he explained on Tuesday (May 6).
According to Professor Agussalim, children have the right to rest, access to healthcare services, and a supportive environment. Nevertheless, human rights violations involving children remain an under-discussed issue, with many cases going unnoticed or unaddressed.
He emphasized the need for collaboration among relevant ministries to protect children’s rights.
“In my opinion, there has indeed been negligence on the part of those responsible for oversight,” he stated.
Professor Agussalim pointed out that the Convention on the Rights of the Child clearly outlines children’s special entitlements.
“Rights to food, a healthy environment, and recreation are all included,” he said.
As a human rights observer, he noted that violations of children’s rights are not limited to the circus industry; they also occur in schools. He argued that Indonesia’s education system should reflect practices in other countries to avoid potential child rights violations.
“If we refer to the convention, it clearly sets out non-negotiable limits. As civil society, law enforcement, and activists, let us begin to increase our sensitivity to human rights issues,” he urged.
Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photograph: Instagram @princess_leonyferonia