Bangkok--22 Oct--Greenpeace
Greenpeace today expressed its disappointment and alarm at the Indonesian Navy's harassment of the Rainbow Warrior (1). Yesterday, two Indonesian navy vessels ordered the organization's flagship away from Indonesian waters as she approached anchorage to take on emergency supplies. The navy ships then escorted her beyond the 24 nautical mile limit, in breach of international law (2). The peaceful campaigning vessel was supposed to dock in Jakarta a week ago on its “Turn the Tide” tour of Southeast Asia to promote environmental awareness and solutions, particularly in tackling climate change and deforestation (3).
“Just a few months ago President Yudhoyono stated that he welcomed working in partnership with non-governmental organizations, including Greenpeace, especially in addressing the issues of deforestation in Indonesia. We are extremely disappointed by the recent turn of events and believe the uncompromising stance taken by the Government against the Rainbow Warrior runs counter to Indonesia’s democratic principles and the right to freedom of expression,” said Nur Hidayati, Greenpeace Indonesia Country Representative.
This is the first time that the Greenpeace flagship has been denied entry to the Republic of Indonesia. In the past, the Rainbow Warrior and other Greenpeace ships had been allowed entry into the country, and worked with local groups and concerned government agencies in exposing and environmental problems including stopping the dumping of hazardous wastes into the country, and in helping ensure a successful outcome during the 2007 UN Framework Convention On Climate Change summit in Bali. The Rainbow Warrior also provided disaster relief assistance in the aftermath of the tsunami which devastated Aceh in 2004.
In recent years, Greenpeace has exposed the rapid expansion of palm oil and pulp and paper sectors into rainforests and carbon-rich peatlands, which is driving climate change and pushing species like the endangered orang-utan and Sumatran tiger to the brink of extinction. Forest destruction also has significant impacts on indigenous people’s customary lands and rights, causing social conflict.
The palm oil and paper industries, as well as elements of the Government, are predictably fighting back against the calls to end deforestation from Greenpeace and other Indonesian civil society groups and have mounted a concerted attack.
Earlier this year, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono entered into an historic agreement with Norway to reduce emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD). The agreement, to be finalized by the end of this year, could create the single largest climate mitigation and adaptation project in the world.
“We regret that our campaign to support the achievement of President Yudhoyono’s vision with the help of the Rainbow Warrior II is being distracted by a smokescreen of short-sighted political and corporate interests,” said Bustar Maitar, Greenpeace Forests campaigner.
“We stand ready to work even more closely with President Yudhoyono and progressive government ministries and industry, to honour their commitments to protect Indonesia's forests for the sake of the climate and for the future of Indonesia's children,” concluded Bustar.
Notes to Editors:
(1) http://www.greenpeace.org/seasia/news/publications/Greenpeace-open-letter-to-ministry-of-foreign-affairs/
(2) Under International Law, Article 58(1) of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea guarantees freedom of navigation in the EEZ.
(3) www.greenepace.org/seasia and http://www.greenpeace.org/seasia/news/publications/new-green-development-pathway/
For more information, contact:
Bustar Maitar, Greenpeace Southeast Asia Forest Team Leader: +62 813 446 66 135,
[email protected]
Hikmat Soeriatanuwijaya, Media Campaigner - Indonesia, +62 8111805394,
[email protected]
Lea Guerrero, Regional Communications Manager, +66 8 5070 5552,
[email protected]