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