Jakarta, October 4, 2021 – Indonesia Environmental activists took action wearing cosplay costumes in front of the Japanese embassy and submitted a petition signed by 10,002 people from 114 countries refusing Japanese funding for new coal-fired power plants PLTU Indramayu 2. Together with the activists, representatives from Indramayu residents presented open letters to Japanese ambassadors from 62 organizations in various countries.

In the open letter, it was emphasized that Japan is currently ‘lagging behind’ other Asian countries. As South Korea has committed to no longer finance coal. And China has just announced that starting October 2021 they will stop funding coal-fired power plants abroad.

During the final preparatory meeting for COP26, civil society organisations in seven countries (US, Italy, Japan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, UK and Australia) around the world are kicking off a global week of action calling on the Japanese Government to end its financial support for fossil fuels, including new coal power stations.

This series of campaigns began with the publication of a full-page advertisement in the US newspaper The New York Times on October 1, 2021. This advertisement was adapted from the world’s most famous Japanese painting, ‘The Great Wave’. With a very clear message asking the Japanese government to stop the funding plan for the construction of new coal-fired power plants in Indonesia and Bangladesh.

Clean energy is the new wave now. But the Japanese government is still planning to fund the construction of coal plants in Indonesia and Bangladesh. This development contradicts the commitment of the G7 countries last May to stop all funding for coal-fired power plants. Japan, which is included in it, agreed to stop financing of new coal-fired power plants.

PLTU Indramayu 1 has been operating since 2010 with a capacity of 990 MW. For the construction of phase 2, the Japanese government agency, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is  planning to fund  the new unit of 1000 MW. The construction of the PLTU has had an impact on the residents’ livelihoods and agricultural lands. This development plan also displaces productive land for agriculture and food.

“Despite US President Biden and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres issuing ‘code red’ warnings about the climate crisis this year, Japan seems determined to continue to exacerbate the climate crisis and destroy the only planet we live on and with it the future of us all including generations. future,” said Melissa Kowara, an activist for Extinction Rebellion (XR) Indonesia

“This year alone, 6 million Indonesians have had to evacuate and suffer from the climate crisis. Want to wait how bad it gets before it changes?” continued Melissa

“Indonesian people need clean energy and clean air, not coal dust that makes it difficult to breathe,” said Wahyudi, WALHI’s West Java Advocacy and Campaign Manager.

“However, Japan continues to plan to increase pollution in our country to benefit from the dying coal industry. Profits are taken from taxes paid by Indonesian citizens. Japan must listen to the voices of Indonesians and stop funding for the Indramayu 2 coal-fired power plant.” Wahyudi said

Petition link: https://chng.it/mqCvFCFDKD

Media Contact  :

  • Melissa Kowara , Extinction Rebellion (XR) Indonesia, +62 811-844-342

  • Wahyudi, Walhi Jawa Barat, +62 813-9536-7383