A theme park’s decision to cover up bare-chested mermaid statues with golden crop tops has sparked controversy, but the operator had stood by its decision.
A pair of naked mermaid statues at Ancol Dreamland in Jakarta, Indonesia has been on display for 15 years. However, a recent policy change has seen them covered with golden accessories.
Park bosses also chose to move the mermaids to a more secluded area after visitors kept pulling the crop tops down.
Ancol Dreamland spokesperson Rika Lestari said no outside agitators were behind the wraps.
“There was no pressure from any group,” she expressed. “Ancol is trying to become an amusement park and vacation spot for families.”
Lestari also told the BBC: “This is purely an agreement from the management and there is no external pressure. We are in the process of reshaping ourselves to be a family friendly amusement park.”
But that didn’t stop the park’s move from getting mocked.
Comedian Soleh Solihun wrote on Twitter: “Thanks Ancol. Now, no one will commit adultery of the eyes from looking at the mermaids’ breasts.”
Lestari previously told the Indonesian newspaper Kompas: “We’re Eastern people, we have Eastern culture, so what was inappropriate we made it more appropriate.
“It’s just a matter of perception, because what we’ve done was the best for us. It’s a good thing, so why not.”
Dolorosa Sinaga, the sculptor of the mermaids, said to BBC Indonesian the park had denied the people “the beauty of arts products.”
“What they did was close public access to enjoy the arts,” she expressed.
Nanda Julinda, one of the visitors, told the BBC: “The statues didn’t disturb us. It’s weird to see art pieces being covered like that.”
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