In a stinging rebuke to Japan's controversial decision to discharge nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean, Indonesian lawmaker Luluk Nur Hamidah warned of the severe repercussions such a move might have, not just for her own nation but for the broader ASEAN community.

Speaking out on the global stage, Ms Hamidah, a prominent Member of the House of Representatives, stated, "Indonesia, a vast archipelago teeming with fisheries, stands directly in the line of fire. The radioactive disposal isn't merely a water release; it's a rupture of trust among neighbours."

Drawing attention to the potential human impact, she emphasized, "The Pacific Ocean, our main fishing ground, is now at risk. We're speaking of livelihoods, of the very fabric of communities. What Japan is doing could shatter trust, especially within the ASEAN bloc."

With a note of foreboding, Hamidah added, "It's not just about today. The future—our children's future—is at stake. Governments, Indonesia's included, are duty-bound to shield their citizens, protect national interests, and above all, guard the sanctity of the environment. Japan's actions fly in the face of these obligations, threatening our fishermen, marine life, and the pristine beauty of our coasts."

The decision by Japan has set off a wave of international concern, with many fearing its long-term ecological impact. Ms Hamidah's remarks underscore the depth of sentiment in nations that feel most vulnerable to the potential consequences.

STORY: Japan's nuclear-contaminated water release to damage trust: Indonesian lawmaker
DATELINE: Aug. 24, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:53
LOCATION: Jakarta
CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT

SHOTLIST:
1. SOUNDBITE (English): LULUK NUR HAMIDAH, Member of House of Representatives of Indonesia
2. various of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant

STORYLINE:

An Indonesian lawmaker has said that Japan's announcement to release the nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean will damage the trust of its neighboring countries, including the ASEAN.

SOUNDBITE (English): LULUK NUR HAMIDAH, Member of House of Representatives of Indonesia
"Indonesia is an archipelago country. We have a lot of fisheries and also fishermen. But the disposal of radioactive waste (water) from Japan of course will have a direct impact on fishermen in the Pacific Ocean, including Indonesia.
So Japan, they will, what we call, damage the trust surrounding the country, including (the trust of) the ASEAN.
We never know what will happen, except that there will be an impact to our fishermen and also the quality of the fisheries from our ocean.
This is a dangerous thing. This can be horrible for everyone. Maybe not us, but maybe our children in the future. The future must be protected.
Every government, including Indonesia, has a mandate, that is to protect our people, to protect our national interest, and to protect our ocean of course, and to protect our environment as well.
This issue on radioactive disposal is against even our laws, against our national interest, and also will be damaging and destroying the fishermen, and also our fish, our ocean, and also the coastline as well."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Jakarta.
(XHTV)