Komodo dragon at Jaksa Fair?

Komodo dragon at Jaksa Fair?

I had never actually seen a Komodo dragon and always thought
I'd get to Komodo island one day for such an experience.

At the first night of the Jaksa Fair a youth had a young
Komodo Dragon on a rope leash so as to show it off or sell it I
suppose. This rare and exotic reptile was terrified as he
squirmed about. Of course I wasn't surprised to encounter this
act of animal cruelty but I was indeed saddened, angered and
embarrassed as I was with a guest from abroad who also was not
amused.

I fully realize that animal sensitivity is not found the world
over but I urge the organizers of this important Betawi event to
make an effort to control such inhumane acts as animal cruelty
and others like it, as not everyone is amused by such hard-
heartedness.

The Jaksa Fair represents the Betawi culture of Indonesia and
the Komodo dragon represents one of the many exotic attractions
found only in Indonesia. Indonesians must realize that this
endangered species deserves more respect than to be thrown into a
crowd of gawking onlookers. Not everyone is amused by such
cruelty.

CATHERINE CIARROCCHI

Jakarta