British Black Lives Matter Demonstrator Target Next: Statue Of Scout Founder Robert Baden-Powell

JAKARTA - The actions of global citizens to tear down statues that have a dark history of racism, discrimination, slavery and occupation are in the spotlight. In Britain, 'Black Lives Matter' demonstrators threatened to knock down a statue of the founder of the scout movement, Robert Baden-Powell.

Previously, demonstrators also tore down a statue of the 17th century slave trader Edward Colston and threw it into the harbor. Reported by Reuters, Friday, June 12, Poole City Council, England is now increasing the 24-hour guard around the location of the Baden-Powell statue.

The guard was carried out for a while. Later, the statue will be lowered and moved to a new location when the process subsides.

The government admits that there are several aspects of Robert Baden-Powell's life that are considered controversial by British citizens. Baden-Powell was known as a supporter of Hitler and a racist.

"While well-known as a Scout pioneer, we also acknowledge that there are some aspects of Robert Baden-Powell's life which he deems less worthy of commemoration," said Poole City Council chairman Vikki Slade.

In line with Vikki, the deputy chairman of the Polle City Council, Mark Howell also revealed that, although residents feel proud of Baden-Powell's relationship with the Scouting movement in Polle, there are still others who feel anger at the past sins of the Scout founder. For this reason, the temporary removal of the statue that looks towards Brownsea Island is being planned.

"While we cannot say when a temporary displacement may occur, we will provide 24 hour security until it is removed or the threat is reduced," he said.

It's a dilemma. On the one hand, Baden-Powell has been praised for founding a scout movement which has 54 million members worldwide, based on the 2007 poll. However, on the other hand, Baden-Powell is known as someone who has racist views and supports Adolf Hitler and his fascism. .

A spokesman for the Pramuka movement said he would immediately discuss this matter further with the Polle City Council. "To make informed decisions about what happened next," he said.