By Astari Pinasthika Sarosa in Jakarta
The Greenpeace flagship Rainbow Warrior is sailing throughout Indonesia – including West Papua – as a vehicle for environmental campaigns.
Rainbow Warrior has often sailed to remote areas to directly see the environmental issues in the region and immediately act against its destruction.
Recently in the Philippines, this is the first visit to Indonesia since 2013. The Rainbow Warrior will be sailing in the archipelago from this week until next month.
The visit themed Jelajah Harmoni Nusantara will be the longest tour of the Rainbow Warrior.
Its first destination is Papua to witness the natural beauty of Papuan rainforest. The ship’s crew will also see the underwater life of Raja Ampat.
After leaving Papua, the Rainbow Warrior will head to Bali, sampling a rich culture which holds local wisdom, and its beliefs that the best source of energy comes from nature.
The last destination is Jakarta. As the capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta has many issues including pollution and waste.
‘Eco-friendly’ city goal
The Rainbow Warrior aims to help Jakarta to be a more comfortable and eco-friendly city.
“The main point of this tour is to create harmony in protecting the Indonesian environment,” Greenpeace said in a press release.
The name Rainbow Warrior was based on the prophecy of a native American tribe Cree in saying, “When the earth becomes sick and dying, there will come a day when people from all over the world will rise up as the Rainbow Warrior.”
The Rainbow Warrior is the third-generation version of the campaign ship.
The first generation vessel was destroyed by limpet mines. On 10 July 1985, French secret agents planted two bombs and sank the Rainbow Warrior, killing photojournalist Fernando Pereira.
After the bombing, the original Rainbow Warrior ship was towed to Matauri Bay, in New Zealand’s Cavalli Islands, and was submerged as an “alive reef” attracted marine life and recreational divers.
The second Rainbow Warrior sailed for 22 years until 2011 when she was replaced with the third generation Rainbow Warrior.
Like its predecessor, this ship carries out green and peaceful campaigns for the future of the planet.
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