Lawmaker supports Jakarta's probe into Greenpeace

Lawmaker Abu Bakar Al Habsyi says he supports Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo's plan to investigate environmental group Greenpeace's alleged illegal operation in the city.

Abu said Indonesia must show its dignity before foreigners.

“[The probe] is essential. We can't possibly let foreign NGOs operate in our country without following the rules. We must be strong and dignified. How can we compete with other nations if we can't strongly uphold our own laws?” the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) lawmaker said Monday in Jakarta as quoted by kompas.com.

Abu made the statement in response to Fauzi's recent complaint on Greenpeace's failure to register itself at the Jakarta administration, despite several years of operation in the Indonesian capital city.

Fauzi said the group was facing sanction. He did not elaborate.

Greenpeace Southeast Asia spokesman Hikmat Soeriatanuwijaya said, however, that Greenpeace's operations in Indonesia were legal because it had registered with the Indonesian Law and Human Rights Ministry.
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/07/26/lawmaker-supports-jakartas-probe-greenpeace.html

Posted in: Media