An Indonesian government minister has denied reports Leonardo DiCaprio could be blacklisted from visiting the country.
The Oscar-winning actor and environmental activist made critical remarks about the country’s palm oil industry last week, sharing photos of endangered animals on his Instagram page.
Following on from this, the Indonesian immigration director-general Ronny Sompie reportedly threatened to deport the 41-year-old American actor while another minister threatened to "blacklist him from returning to Indonesia".
But in a different vein, another Indonesian government minister has now applauded DiCaprio’s recent visit and endeavours to help endangered Sumatran elephants, rhinos, tigers and orangutans. She also clarified that he would not be deported if he came to Indonesia again.
“My view is that DiCaprio’s concerns are both sincere and substantial, and he has certainly acted in good faith,” Siti Nurbaya, Indonesia’s minister of the environment and forestry, told foresthints.news. “In fact, we largely share his concerns on this matter.
“In light of this and to reciprocate his sincerity and good intentions, I am open to working together with DiCaprio in a joint effort whereby both of us can have our concerns addressed, including those that pertain to the Leuser Ecosystem.
“It’s really not relevant to link the concerns conveyed by DiCaprio with immigration matters,” she added.
