Boy who was adopted in Indonesia remains in legal limbo

A THREE-YEAR-OLD boy, originally adopted in Indonesia by an Irishman and his wife, remains in legal limbo this weekend as officials in Dublin and Jakarta continue their efforts to resolve the matter.

While the legality of the adoption of Tristan Dowse has yet to be ruled on by the Indonesian courts, officials here are attempting to clear the way for his re-adoption.

“We are writing to the Ministry of Social Affairs in Indonesia to request a report on the boy’s condition and circumstances and to advise on his re-adoption,” Adoption Board registrar Kiernan Gildea confirmed. The boy retains his Irish citizenship and passport despite being returned to an orphanage by his adoptive parents Joe and Lala Dowse, who claimed the adoption was not working out.