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DEPOK: The National Commission for Child Protection (Komnas Anak) found 200 silver humans or manusia silver, street performers who cover themselves in metallic paint, bringing toddlers and babies while begging for money in Depok city.

Arist Merdeka Sirait, the chairman of Komnas Anak, said almost all of the beggars took up the street art due to economic crises in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Based on data collected from various resources, [the phenomenon] of manusia silver in Depok is generated by the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Arist in a statement.

According to him, they used to earn income by becoming scavengers, public minivan drivers, and street traders. He argued that the authority could not use a criminal approach to deal with silver humans.

“This new social welfare issue must be resolved through a humanitarian approach and [the authorities should find] the root cause of the problem,” he said.

Arist added that one of the efforts the government could make is adopting and looking after children from deprived families and those who are forced to become silver humans. “The government must allocate sufficient funds for humanitarian social services,” he remarked.

“Taking a criminal approach is not a solution but instead would add to the rising new social problems of children and families,” Arist concluded.