Heroic action: Security personnel look on as Greenpeace activists hang a banner on the top of a loading crane at the port of a major pulp mill facility in Riau on Nov. 25 to protest against the excessive deforestation in the province. Courtesy of Greenpeace
Dec. 16, p. 7
Greenpeace recently embarrassed the Indonesian government with its daring action against APRIL and PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (APP), two companies suspected of deforestation in Riau’s Kampar peninsula. Its actions have shown that Greenpeace is truly a campaign organization that bears witness to and voices environmental destruction.
In an era where the effects of global warming are increasingly apparent, and as a former direct dialogue coordinator of the Indonesian branch of Greenpeace Southeast Asia, I am proud of the steps Greenpeace Indonesia has taken not only in addressing deforestation in Riau, but also in increasing awareness about and taking practical action to resolve other critical environmental issues.
However, I believe that Greenpeace can, and must, do more than stage direct action, direct communication and photo opportunities in its current struggle to stop deforestation and to be an environmental group that the Indonesian public is proud of. Greenpeace Indonesia should focus on its main campaign goal; never forgetting that a forest moratorium is the ultimate goal of its forest campaign.
As this year’s forest defender camp has come to a close, and the meetings in Copenhagen end later this December, Greenpeace should further pressure the Indonesian government to issue a moratorium. While it has achieved small victories, these are nothing but minor battles in the war on deforestation. (By Muh. Taufiqurrohman, Jakarta).
Your comments:
I strongly agree that Greenpeace Indonesia should take direct action that can benefit both the Indonesian government and those locals affected by environmental destruction.
Direct action that is urgently needed is the cleaning up of Jakarta’s rivers and gutters. Cleanliness directly affects the health of the local people and the well-being of the nation.
I believe this could improve the public image of Greenpeace. I’m desperately looking forward to the implementation of this project.
Bambang Budirahardjo
Jakarta
I’m not surprised at Greenpeace not being idealistic. I’m sure they plan their campaigns from air-conditioned rooms though they know AC is not good for the climate.
As I far as I am concerned, the Greenpeace founders were idealistic environmental activists, but some Greenpeace activists and staff today are no more than politicians.
If they end up running a campaign to clean rivers in Jakarta, then we all know at least they’re a little sensitive to local needs, and slightly better than Indonesian politicians. The question now: Is Greenpeace willing to change? They probably can, but I’m not sure if they want to.
Sarah Pepe
Denpasar
I love this kind of honesty. Westerners like me and Greenpeace activists often think that we know better than Indonesians about dealing with local issues. It’s time for us to let idealistic Indonesians lead the fight against deforestation.
Diane Wise
Denpasar
I won’t be surprised if later on Greenpeace says that this article is not based on fact. It’s very hard for big organizations like Greenpeace to be honest with the public. Thanks to this writer for making Greenpeace more accountable.
Thom Brian
Denpasar
Yes, Jakarta’s rivers need cleaning. If Greenpeace could do that, I’m sure people here will love it more. It’s so annoying to see how the Indonesian government views Greenpeace as a threat, but that’s the reality.
Greenpeace really needs to look to more Indonesians to win more support from both the government and locals. I suppose it’s hard to be idealistic, but surely Greenpeace can do that.
Darren Wright
Jakarta
I totally agree with this writer. I love Greenpeace but it needs to change and it can!
I am a Greenpeace supporter and every month I give money to Greenpeace. I want to see Greenpeace at work on Jakarta rivers or ocean projects.
Dani Kusuma
Jakarta
