Jakarta — A global campaign highlighting the funding of coal-based nickel projects in Indonesia has once again come under the spotlight after Kpop4Planet activist Nurul Sarifah was selected for this year’s National Geographic 33 (NG33) list, the group said in a statement on Wednesday, March 18.
Alongside Hyekyeong Kim, Nurul has been included in the “Visionaries” category for their efforts to mobilise K-pop fans for climate action, including pressuring against the funding of nickel projects deemed environmentally damaging.
Currently, Kpop4Planet is urging Hana Bank to cease financing Harita Group’s nickel project on Obi Island, North Maluku, which is supported by a coal-fired power plant. According to a Market Forces report, Hana Bank has provided USD 84 million in financing to Harita up to 2023. The group is known to operate a 1.6 GW coal-fired power plant with expansion plans exceeding 4 GW.
Through the “Hana, Bring K-pop Not Coal” campaign, Kpop4Planet, alongside 12 Indonesian K-pop fanbases—representing around 280,000 fans—are calling on the bank to honour the coal financing phase-out commitment announced in 2021. Nurul emphasised that pressure from fans constitutes a form of public demand for more sustainable business practices.
“Fans are demanding that Hana Bank cease financing coal-fired power plants in countries such as Indonesia, which have a detrimental impact on the environment and local communities,” said Nurul.
The recognition from National Geographic places Nurul as the first Indonesian to feature on the list, alongside global figures such as Harrison Ford and Stella McCartney. Kpop4Planet itself has gained widespread recognition through various campaigns, including “Hyundai, Drop Coal”, which successfully led to the cancellation of Hyundai Motor’s aluminium deal with Adaro Minerals Indonesia.
Founded in 2021, Kpop4Planet has mobilised more than 85,000 participants from over 80 countries, demonstrating how popular culture can be a force in driving global climate policy change. (nsh)
Banner photo: Kpop4Planet
