SMS: Greenpeace's actions

Fri, 11/20/2009 1:05 PM  |  Reader's Forum

Your comments on the arrest and deportation of Greenpeace activists, who staged a protest against deforestation by unfurling a huge banners in one of Riau's forests.

Greenpeace activists can be stopped but good conscience cannot be stopped. The protesters will reap what they sow.

Andoko Darta
Jakarta

I think the rate of unnecessary destruction has now got to the point where direct action is the only thing that can save Indonesia's rain forests. I know a lot of people don't like Greenpeace, but they are shining an invaluable light on issues that would otherwise be swept under the carpet.

Indonesia accounts for 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions (the third highest national rate in the world), 45 percent of global peatland destruction and 35 percent of the world's deforestation, all of which accounts for 80 percent of Indonesia's 2.3 billion tons of CO2 emissions per year.

Now is not the time for slow and meaningless discussions, it's time for an immediate end to the devastation. Humans need forests to live!

Peter Trend
Salford, UK

I hope the police read the message on the banner. If they help protect the forest, there will be no more banners!

Endang Purba
Jakarta

I can't believe it. First Aceh and now Riau! Only radicals and greedy people can come up with something stupid like this. And they're corrupting Riau's government.

Jeffrey
Jakarta

I support the people who are trying to stop deforestation in Indonesia, especially in Riau.

I remember seeing the devastation caused by deforestation in Kalimantan in 1997 (just before the catastrophic fires there) and do not want this terrible human, animal and natural calamity to continue.

Please consider the future of Indonesia's rainforests and the planet and remember: If the environment were a bank it would have been saved.

Judy
Jakarta

The Indonesian government must answer the following questions: Why are activists who protest peacefully being detained and deported, together with journalists who are only willing to tell the story? Why are criminal companies who destroy old growth forests and pump CO2 into the atmosphere allowed to continue doing it?

The freedom of press is one of the pillars of a responsible modern democracy. While the reduction of CO2 emissions, by halting deforestation is imperative. By disrespecting these two principles, the Indonesian government is proving to be both irresponsible and anti-democratic.

Andre Muggiati
Brasilia

Greenpeace, an international group, is striving for a noble cause which is to protect and to preserve the environment on a global and local scale. Even so, their actions in our country, especially by foreign activists should be dealt with in regard to our laws.

The authorities are obliged to take action to uphold law and order and guarantee our national security. Actions by Greenpeace executed in a proper and lawful manner will benefit our society.

Soebagjo Soetadji
Jakarta

We need more Greenpeace activists and less corrupt government officials.

E Nurdin
Jakarta

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