Some people actually believe that breasts on statues of mermaids can be a turn on and therefore are morally abominable.
Recently in Jakarta, two mermaid statues erected in Taman Impian Jaya Ancol (Ancol Dreamland) in North Jakarta were deemed offensive by the recreational park’s officials that the statues can no longer #FreeTheNipple like they used to. Now, the statues have been outfitted with golden cloth around their busts, making it look like they’re wearing golden tube tops.
makasih ancol. sekarang, gak akan ada lagi orang zinah mata karena lihat tete patung putri duyung. pic.twitter.com/Bv7LeBGkFY
— SOLEH SOLIHUN (@solehsolihun) March 23, 2019
“Thanks Ancol. Now, no one will commit adultery of the eyes from looking at the mermaid’s breasts,” comedian Soleh Solihun tweeted on Saturday with a photo of one of the mermaids.
One thought the statue looked familiar.
Akibat Sering Berpenampilan Seksi, Seorang Penyanyi Dikutuk Menjadi Patung. pic.twitter.com/MkUEF17KDh
— Rizal Andri (@rizalandri) March 24, 2019
Ancol Dreamland spokesperson Rika Lestari said they decided to dress up the mermaids to comply with local moral guidelines.
“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,” Rika told Kompas on Saturday.
Rika said the management was surprised upon finding out that the tube tops attracted ridicule from the public.
“Ancol [Dreamland] is trying to be the entertainment and holiday park for families. [The decision to cover up the mermaid statues] was without compulsion, obligation, nor pressures from any party,” Rika told Tempo today.
Do you think Ancol was right to censor their mermaids, or should people’s eyes be covered up — as illustrated by local comic artist Komik Faktap — if they find breasts on statues appealing?
#KomikFaktap pic.twitter.com/nRjeqjy5f8
— FAKTAP Sudah Vaksin Ke-2 (@KomikFaktap) March 24, 2019
Duncan Buchanan says
Obviously never been to Khajuraho or Konarak temples. I believe India is considered “eastern”.