First person – Indonesia child jockey’s story
Eight-year-old Sahrul Ramadan describes competition in which children risk injury or even death to stave off poverty.
Published On 30 Sep 2014
Despite being illegal, children as young as five compete as professional jockeys in traditional horse races In Indonesia’s remote southern island of Sumbawa.
The racers often stare death in the face while chasing around a dusty track in front of cheering spectators.
Predominantly from poor families, the jockey’s compete when when they are not studying at school, earning enough to support their entire families.
Sahrul Ramadan, an eight-year-old jockey, tells Al Jazeera his story.
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Source: Al Jazeera