NGOs campaign against U.S.
NGOs campaign against U.S.
At Benoa Harbor, a coalition of women, youth, and non-
governmental organizations (NGO) launched a series of activities
aboard the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise on Friday to protest
the U.S.'s uncompromising stance during their negotiations of a
document on sustainable development.
The vessel, painted grass green with the words Greenpeace
emblazoned on the side, was decked with multicolor banners
voicing the groups' concerns, including Greenpeace's: Reclaim the
Earth, Anti Debt Coalition's: Debt cancellation for just and
humane development.
At least 30 representatives of the various NGOs, including
Indonesia's labor and urban poor groups, arrived at the harbor by
bus from the Bali International Convention Center (BICC) where
the Preparatory Committee (PrepCom) IV meeting is currently in
process.
A dozen or so Indonesian reporters from television, radio, and
the print media also showed up to cover the event that was only
leaked to the reporters with the warning that they should not
repeat the invitation to officials.
On Thursday, word went around that the NGOs would meet at BICC
the next day. Later that night the location was changed to Benoa
Harbor due to security concerns, Indonesian People Forum (IPF)
media officer Pariama Hutasoit said.
The surprise, as it turned out, was a three-headed giant-sized
traditional monster doll, or ogoh-ogoh, erected on the deck of
the ship.
The dragon-bodied green doll represented Japan, United States,
Canada, Australia, and New Zealand (JUSCANZ). Australia was
depicted with a conspicuous dundee' hat, the U.S. with Uncle
Sam's red and blue top hat, and Canada with a bandanna with a red
maple leaf painted at the front.
"The image represents JUSCANZ which is dominating the world,
you can see that the monster is standing on the globe," said a
member of Friends of the Earth.
The groups ended the rally with joint photographs in front of
the doll clad in T-shirts with the words: What do we do about the
United States? -- JP