Greenpeace activists who recently carried out a protest in East Kalimantan. On August 17, 2024, a group of Greenpeace activists displayed a large banner reading "Indonesia is Not For Sale" on the Pulau Balang Bridge in Penajam Paser Utara, near the new capital city of Indonesia (IKN), in East Kalimantan. This protest was timed to coincide with Indonesia's Independence Day celebrations and was aimed at drawing attention to concerns over environmental degradation and the unchecked expansion of infrastructure and extractive industries in the region.

The activists were particularly critical of the government's policies that have led to significant deforestation and land appropriation, which they argue are driven by collusion between the government and powerful corporate interests. Greenpeace has highlighted that around 20,000 hectares of forest have been lost in the area surrounding the new capital in the past five years alone.

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The activists were particularly critical of the government's policies that have led to significant deforestation and land appropriation, which they argue are driven by collusion between the government and powerful corporate interests. Greenpeace has highlighted that around 20,000 hectares of forest have been lost in the area surrounding the new capital in the past five years alone. Following the protest, 14 activists, along with a few journalists covering the event, were detained by local authorities but were later released without charges​ (KBR ID)​ (Rmol.id).

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The protest gained widespread attention, especially as it coincided with Indonesia's 79th Independence Day celebrations. The activists were detained by local authorities along with a few journalists covering the event. However, recent reports indicate that all detained individuals have been released without charges.

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Greenpeace has been vocal about its concerns regarding the environmental impact of development projects in East Kalimantan. They argue that the rapid expansion of these projects, driven by what they describe as government-corporate collusion, has led to severe deforestation and the displacement of local and indigenous communities. The release of the activists has been welcomed by supporters and human rights organizations. Greenpeace continues to advocate for a more sustainable approach to development, urging the government to reconsider its policies to ensure that the remaining forests and local communities are protected.

This incident highlights the ongoing tension between environmental advocacy groups and government policies focused on economic development, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas like East Kalimantan. As the country moves forward with its ambitious infrastructure plans, the balance between development and environmental conservation remains a critical issue.