(Source: extinctionrebellion.id Instagram account screenshot)
Jakarta—Environmental groups and civil society groups condemn the forced dispersal of the Global Climate Strike (GCS) in Jakarta, a peaceful protest aimed at raising awareness about the climate crisis, by unidentified groups of individuals. The GCS is a globally coordinated movement that originated from activist Greta Thunberg’s efforts in 2019.
“In Indonesia, various elements of civil society participated in this year’s GCS event, showing the concern and commitment of the Indonesian people to the global climate issue,” Nadia Hadad, Executive Director of MADANI Berkelanjutan, said in a statement on Monday, September 30. She expressed concern over the growing trend of repressing peaceful public demonstrations, especially those aimed at addressing the urgent issue of climate change. The group stated that the action was a serious violation of citizens’ constitutional rights and an assault on democracy.
MADANI Berkelanjutan said that in the days leading up to the protest on September 27, several government agencies had warned against the demonstration, citing potential political consequences. Despite these warnings, thousands of activists, students, and civil society groups gathered peacefully to join the global call for immediate climate action.
Giorgio Budi Indrarto, MADANI Berkelanjutan’s Deputy Director, also weighed in, stressing the link between democracy and climate justice. “There is no climate justice without democracy,” he said, adding that restricting public dialogue not only undermines faith in democratic systems but also weakens the nation’s ability to tackle the climate crisis effectively. He further urged the government to provide space for meaningful dialogue and guarantee public involvement in environmental decision-making processes.
The group demanded that “law enforcement officials conduct a thorough investigation into the repressive actions against the GCS peaceful protest on September 27, 2024,” and reminded the government to “respect and protect the constitutional rights of citizens to express their opinions, especially regarding crucial issues such as the climate crisis,” and demanded “transparency and accountability of those involved in silencing civil society voices.” (nsh)
