Jakarta’s Delman Horses Face Harsh Conditions Amid Calls for Change
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in Jakarta, Indonesia, the iconic “delman,” customary horse-drawn carriages, are facing increased scrutiny due to the harsh conditions endured by the horses. Animal rights advocates are raising concerns about malnutrition and mistreatment, urging for a phasing out of the practice. These carriages, once a common sight in the colonial era, are now largely confined to specific areas, offering rides to tourists primarily on weekends and public holidays. Despite their cultural importance, the welfare of these animals remains a pressing issue.
Beneath a bustling highway in Indonesia’s capital, a stark reality unfolds for the horses that pull the conventional wooden carriages known as delman. These animals, frequently enough emaciated with ribs protruding, are tethered to pillars in makeshift wooden stalls, their existence overshadowed by the constant rumble of passing trucks. The delman, a relic of colonial-era transportation, is gradually disappearing from Jakarta’s landscape, replaced by modern ride-hailing services.
today, only a few hundred delman horses remain, relegated to a handful of designated areas within the city. They primarily serve tourists on weekends and public holidays. Animal rights advocates argue that the conditions in which these horses are kept are so deplorable that the practice should be abolished entirely.
A Glimpse into the Lives of delman Drivers
Despite the challenges, some carriage drivers like 52-year-old Sutomo find a semblance of solace in providing shelter for their horses. Thank God, in here, at least the horses are protected from the sun’s heat and rain,
Sutomo said, referring to the stable under the highway.
On Jakarta’s vibrant streets, the rhythmic clinking of horse-drawn carriage bells blends with the cacophony of car engines and horns. Sutomo estimates that a 4.5-kilometer trip around Indonesia’s National Monument yields a meager 50,000 rupiah (US$3.06), a journey he manages only two or three times daily.
The financial strain is evident. when income is low, my son, who works at a company, shares some of his salary,
he explained. Thank God at least that can cover food for my family, but for the horse, we have to reduce its food.
Animal Welfare Concerns
Rights groups contend that the meager earnings force owners, and those who rent the horses, to neglect proper animal care, leading to malnutrition and inadequate living conditions. Estimates suggest that approximately 200 carthorses are still in service across about 20 stables. One such encampment, housing 15 horses, was found amidst garbage and plastic waste near a polluted river.
Karin Franken, cofounder of Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN), has been advocating for the welfare of delman horses as 2014. The conditions are really, really bad,
Franken stated. They are not treating the horses vrey well [but] very aggressively, very rough.
while the delman may appear as a colorful tourist attraction, adorned with decorations and jingling bells, the reality behind the scenes is frequently grim. Some owners resort to harmful traditional practices, such as puncturing the horse’s muscles with bamboo sticks to insert a rope, purportedly to “cleanse” its blood.
During the COVID-19 pandemic,some horses succumbed to starvation,prompting franken to advocate for a gradual phasing out of the delman.The life as a delman horse,especially in jakarta,is really terrible,
she emphasized.
Government Response and Future Prospects
While a national animal protection law exists, JAAN reports that enforcement is lacking. The local government acknowledges its commitment to animal welfare but cites the need for additional support.
Suharini Eliawati, head of the Jakarta Food Security, Maritime and Agriculture Agency, stated, We need support from other parties … to be able to provide services such as free medical checkups. The owners must obey the rules in animal welfare protection.
JAAN attempts to educate delman workers on better horse care practices in exchange for free veterinary services. Though, many resist due to tradition or financial constraints. They can barely take care of themselves and their families, let alone horses. It’s very sad for both,
franken lamented. There still are, regrettably, cases of extreme abuse or neglect.
younger delman drivers are reportedly more open to option employment, such as becoming ride-hailing motor-taxi drivers, while older drivers are more resistant, claiming it is their only viable option.
Despite the hardships, some owners remain committed to the tradition.I like animals. I also like this job,
said delman owner Novan Yuge Prihatmoko, as he guided his horse through West Jakarta. He added that he can earn 150,000 rupiah a day. I feel comfortable, so why not? I just keep doing this for a living.
Conclusion
The future of Jakarta’s delman horses remains uncertain. While some owners cling to tradition, the harsh realities faced by these animals have sparked a growing call for change. The challenge lies in balancing cultural heritage with the ethical treatment of animals, ensuring a more sustainable and humane future for these equine inhabitants of Indonesia’s capital.
related Topics: Animal welfare,Jakarta,Indonesia,Tourism
Headline: Unveiling the Struggles of Jakarta’s Delman Horses: Tradition vs. Animal Welfare
Opening Statement: Do the cultural traditions of JakartaS iconic horse-drawn carriages come at an unbearable cost to animal welfare? Experts weigh in on the pressing concern of delman horses facing harsh conditions.
Introduction
Senior Editor: Welcome to World Today News, where we delve into critical global issues affecting our world today.A pressing concern has emerged in Jakarta involving the iconic delman horses, the city’s historic horse-drawn carriages. Their plight is raising questions about cultural preservation and animal ethics. To provide deeper insights, we’ve invited Dr.Amara Singh, a leading expert in animal rights and cultural heritage. Dr. Singh, thank you for joining us.
The Dilemma of Tradition and welfare
Senior Editor: Dr. Singh, let’s start with the basics. What drives the cultural significance of delman horses in Jakarta, and what are the current challenges these animals face?
Dr. Singh: Thank you for having me. The delman carriages are not just vehicles; they are historical artifacts that date back to the colonial era in Jakarta, Indonesia. They serve as living embodiments of cultural heritage, providing tourists with an experience interwoven with history and tradition. However, the challenges are profound. These horses endure harsh conditions, primarily attributed to urban encroachment and the advent of modern transportation. many of these animals suffer from malnutrition and inadequate living spaces,raising significant animal welfare concerns.
Balancing Cultural Heritage and Animal Welfare
Senior Editor: Balancing tradition with ethical treatment is a complex puzzle. What are some of the proposed solutions to ensure the welfare of these animals without erasing cultural heritage?
Dr. Singh: Finding a balance is indeed crucial. One proposed solution is transitioning horse owners to alternative livelihoods, such as working in the burgeoning ride-hailing industry.This transition could mitigate the decline of the delman while ensuring horse welfare.Moreover, implementing stricter animal welfare regulations and providing education and resources for delman owners to improve horse care practices could enhance both living conditions and livelihood sustainability. It’s also essential to engage stakeholders, including cultural historians and animal rights groups, to craft pathways that respect tradition while prioritizing ethical treatment.
Government and Community Efforts
Senior Editor: How are government bodies and community organizations currently addressing these issues, and what more could be done?
Dr.Singh: Governmental acknowledgment of the issue is a positive step forward, albeit slow in action. As a notable example, the Jakarta Food Security, Maritime and Agriculture Agency has shown a commitment to animal welfare by outlining the need for additional support, such as free medical checkups for these horses. Community organizations, like the Jakarta animal Aid Network, play a pivotal role in advocating for change.They engage directly with delman owners to educate them on better care practices through veterinary services and workshops. yet, substantial improvements are needed, including stricter enforcement of national animal protection laws and the provision of economic incentives for delman owners to transition to more humane and sustainable employment opportunities.
future Outlook
Senior Editor: As efforts continue to evolve, what does the future hold for Jakarta’s delman horses? Can cultural heritage and ethical treatment coexist?
Dr. singh: the future hinges on the willingness of all involved stakeholders to embrace change. The potential for coexistence lies in innovation—an overhaul of conventional practices while safeguarding cultural narratives. Cultural education and tourism can redefine the delman experience, perhaps transforming it into a historical exhibition rather than a functional transport service. This shift ensures the preservation of the cultural narrative, while respecting animal dignity. In the long run, the focus should be on creating awareness and fostering a culture that values both heritage and ethics, ensuring that future generations inherit a legacy enriched with compassion and respect.
conclusion
Senior Editor: Dr. Singh, thank you for sharing your invaluable insights. It’s clear that addressing the plight of delman horses involves not just policy changes, but a cultural shift towards a more humane coexistence.
Dr. Singh: Thank you for facilitating this important discussion. It’s crucial that we continue to engage communities in conversations about preserving heritage with a concious.
Takeaways and Call to action
As we navigate the intricate relationship between tradition and animal welfare, it’s imperative to reflect on how we can preserve cultural heritage responsibly. We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments or on our social media channels. How can we balance these crucial concerns in our communities? Your input is valuable as we strive for a more compassionate world.