TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A documentary film entitled ‘Masked Monkey’ captured the life of Jakarta’s lower-class society in 106-minute long duration. The film, that was produced in 2013 and directed by Ismail Fadillah Lubish, was selected by Rumah Ide Makassar for screening and discussion in the Cinematica ScreenDocs at Bakti building.

The story about a street monkey performance called topeng monyet (masked monkey) takes up a big portion in the film. The monkey is shown performing on the streets, slumps, and even in the skyscrapers areas by wearing various kinds of masks.

There are scenes where the monkey is seen to be ‘forced’ by its handler to perform gestures that is not normal for the animal to attract audiences. The film also exposes how the monkey is locked in the end of the day, inside a small cage with chain around its neck.

According to Muhammad Al Amin, the Head of Advocacy of Indonesian Forum of The Earth (WALHI) in South Sulawesi said the film depicts the ferocious poverty and financial problems existing in the capital city. Because of the poverty pressure, the animals are exploited.

According to Amin, government have issued restrictions that forbid exploitation on animals, especially wild animals like the monkeys (Macaca Fascicularis).

“Their place is in the jungle, in the wild. Not in the city and locked up,” Amin said.

Abel Jam from Rumah Ide Makassar said that ‘Masked Monkey’ had received many awards from the overseas festival. The film was also screened at the Rotterdam INternational Film Festival 2014 and Chopshots Documentary Film Festival 2014.

“Many of such documentaries are not appreciated in Indonesia,” said Abel.

REZKI ALVIONITASARI