Greenpeace Banners Voice the Public's Concerns

AMONG the myriad actions coinciding with the second anniversary of Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka's administration on October 20, 2026, the Greenpeace banner captured the national public's attention most significantly.

The banner was unfurled at the Welcome Statue Monument, Hotel Indonesia Roundabout, Jakarta.

This predominantly yellow banner with black text draped around two sides of the statue, displaying the phrases "Disasters Getting Worse, Life Getting Harder, What is the Government Doing?" and "Address the Climate Crisis, Lower Living Costs."

Greenpeace activists carried out this banner installation with remarkable precision and training. Every detail was considered: the size (length x width) of the fabric, color, timing, number of people, and the text that adorned the banner. As a result, Greenpeace activists successfully captured the public's attention.

They staged their protest for just a few hours, without occupying the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout all day. That brief period was enough to send a message to the public and the Indonesian government.

The Hotel Indonesia Roundabout is a bustling hub. The actions of Greenpeace activists drew cameras and drones from many passersby or those who specifically came to witness it.

Those actions were subsequently shared on social media and in the press—creating resonance, echoes, and discourse. From online discussions to casual chats at coffee stalls or "starling" (mobile coffee and tea vendors).

On that Tuesday, the Welcome Statue Monument was effectively 'stolen' by Greenpeace activists. The monument's base suddenly transformed, adorned with clothing that could 'speak'.

The Greenpeace activists did not need to deliver speeches to convey their message. They chose a banner to express it.

The wording was concise, pointed, and universally relevant. The public felt connected, engaged, and represented by the statements displayed on the banner.

Let's investigate. The banner stated, "Disasters Getting Worse, Life Getting Harder, What is the Government Doing?"

This statement encapsulates a challenge regarding current conditions in Indonesia, concerning forest and land fires that have led to thick smoke in several provinces in Sumatra and Kalimantan.

What more needs to be said to declare that the smoke disaster is urgent? Meanwhile, the central government is reluctant to classify it as a national disaster.

In fact, acute respiratory infection (ARI) cases have nearly reached 300,000. Living in areas affected by smoke is extremely unhealthy and poses a threat to life.

For about four months, people in the disaster zones have been battling fire and smoke. There's no indication that this disaster can be swiftly contained.