The organization’s flagship was supposed to dock in Jakarta’s Tanjung Priok Port last October 13, but was unable to do so due to delays in issuance of necessary permits by the concerned authorities. News reports have quoted Foreign Ministry officials that they will not allow the Rainbow Warrior into the country. But no official denial of entry has yet been issued.
The Rainbow Warrior is currently sailing in the South east Asia region as part of her “Turn the Tide Tour” which brings a message of hope and is a call to action to all ASEAN governments. Southeast Asia is one of the most vulnerable and least prepared regions to cope with the impacts of climate change.
“Our ship is on a two-and-a-half month mission across Southeast Asia to promote green development. That is our only agenda. All countries aspire for a sustainable future for the sake of future generations. We believe Indonesia is no different. Which is why the delay in the decision is puzzling for us, as of now, we are still waiting for official communication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs whether they will allow the Rainbow Warrior into Indonesia. “ said Nur Hidayati, Country Representative for Indonesia of Greenpeace Southeast Asia.
“Should the ship be denied entry, it will indeed be a sad chapter in Rainbow Warrior’s 21 year history. The Rainbow Warrior is loved by millions of people around the globe. As a Greenpeace ship, she has challenged the legal system and won, she’s confronted environmental crimes, relocated the population of a South Pacific Island contaminated by radiation, provided disaster relief to victims of the 2004 Tsunami in South East Asia, and sailed against whaling, war, global warming, and other environmental crimes on every ocean of the world,” Nur added.
Meanwhile, Greenpeace has proceeded with scheduled activities which were supposed to be part of the Ship’s itinerary in Indonesia. Last Thursday, Greenpeace, WALHI and other Indonesian Civil Society Organizations launched the “Common Platform on Saving Indonesia’s Forests to Protect the Global Climate” during a REDD (Reducing Emissions from Forest Degradation and Deforestation) workshop.
Last Saturday, Greenpeace supporters gathered at Tanjung Priok Port where they would have held public activities to welcome the ship.
Tomorrow, Greenpeace Southeast Asia will proceed with solidarity activities with coal impacted communities in Cirebon to launch the report ‘The High Price of Cheap Coal: How Indonesians are paying the price for the world’s dirtiest fuel.’
“We only have one message throughout the tour, ASEAN nations such as Indonesia must Turn the Tide of dirty and destructive development and shift gears toward genuine sustainability. Stopping deforestation is the quickest and the most effective way to reduce global carbon emissions while ensuring safety and future of thousands of species including millions of people in our country, the region, and the world. Together with a massive uptake of renewable energy combined with energy efficiency measures, Indonesia can leapfrog ahead of other developing nations in meeting development and energy demands with little or no negative impact on climate and local communities,” said Bustar Maitar, Forest Campaigner of Greenpeace Southeast Asia.
Contact :
Bustar Maitar, Forests Campaigner ,Greenpeace Southeast Asia,+62 813 4466 6135
Lea Guerrero, Regional Media Manager,Greenpeace Southeast Asia, +62 821 1239 4810