Despite Government Antipathy, Komodo Campaign Continues

Jakarta, Indonesia - While the government and the New7Wonders organization bicker, an independent group is taking the lead on the campaign to include Komodo National Park on a list of the world’s seven natural wonders, launching a text message campaign to support the bid.

The park, on Komodo Island in East Nusa Tenggara, was selected as one of 28 finalists out of 440 nominees from 220 countries. But a dispute between the Culture and Tourism Ministry and the New7Wonders foundation over financial matters led the ministry to seek to end the park’s candidacy.

Emmy Hafild, head of Supporters for a Komodo Victory (P2K), said that since votes had been cast and the park had made it into the list of 28 finalists, it could not be withdrawn.

“We are actually very saddened by these conflicts. That’s why we — professionals, not just activists — have come together to try to help Komodo win the competition,” Emmy said.

She said P2K had a permit to operate a New7Wonders televote service, allowing the use of SMS pooling for the competition.

To vote for Komodo through P2K, SMS “Komodo” to 9818. SMSs can be sent through Telkomsel, XL and Indosat operators, and cost Rp 1,000 (12 cents) per message.

Emmy said the park’s chances stood to benefit from the controversy. “From my seven years as an activist, I have found it is very difficult to get people interested in environmental awareness or biodiversity,” she said. “But because of the controversy, everybody has started to ask about what is happening with Komodo.”

Among the 28 finalists are the Amazon in South America, the Grand Canyon in the United States, Milford Sound in New Zealand and Halong Bay in Vietnam. People voting online need to choose seven of the finalists, while those voting via SMS just choose a single candidate.

“For just Rp 1,000, you can help Komodo [join the New7Wonders list],” Emmy said. “You can also votes many times; it is not limited to one vote per person.”

To succeed, she estimated that Komodo needed to attract at least 120 million votes.

“It is also about winning. Our country is thirsty to win anything,” she said. “We need something to be proud of.” Funds raised by the votes will be allocated to the Komodo Trust Fund.

The foundation behind the ballot previously conducted a search for the man-made New7Wonders of the World, which was announced in 2007.

The Indonesian government criticized the foundation after the group sought $45 million for the organization’s activities, including hosting an awards ceremony.

Source: http://www.thejakartaglobe.com

Share

Tuliskan komentar Anda !