Nandito Putra, Jakarta – Indonesia' Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is pushing regional governments to promote the Geothermal Working Areas (WKP) development in their respective regions to drive investment and prevent local dissent over the projects.
The ministry's New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation DG, Eniya Listiani Dewi, said people-to-government communication is essential for ongoing projects. "That's why I asked for prompt communication with the regional government," said Eniya on Thursday, adding that the ultimate goal is gaining approval to avoid "dissenting voices that slow down investments."
These efforts come amidst local opposition to several geothermal projects. The Nusantara Indigenous Peoples Alliance noted that resistance occurred in Poco Leok, Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, among others. Rejection also emerged in Ende and Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara.
Geothermal projects have also sparked conflict in Dieng, Central Java. Field research by the Center for Human Rights Studies at the Islamic University of Indonesia found that Dieng Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) has affected the local environment and residents.
The research noted at least two primary causes that lead to rejection and conflict. First, a low level of community participation is flagged during geothermal exploration in Jorong Pagu-Pagu, Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra.
The research noted that residents of Jorong Pagu-Pagu were bewildered when the company suddenly conducted a survey in their area. They were never informed of the government's decision, let alone given adequate understanding of the plans and impacts of geothermal development in their area.
Another factor is the violation of environmental rights in Dieng. The project has resulted in water and air pollution due to the odor from hydrogen sulfide gas from the geothermal facility, and noise during well testing that disrupts residents' rest time.
According to Bhima Yudhistira, Director of the Center of Economic and Law Studies (Celios), geothermal development is part of the government's efforts towards energy transition and cut back dependence on coal-fired power plants (PLTU).
However, geothermal development is expensive and carries high investment risks, Bhima said. Furthermore, conflicts with communities can prolong construction time, bloating the costs. "Geothermal projects in Indonesia lead to more economic losses than benefits," Bhima stated.
Meanwhile, the ministry continues to encourage geothermal development to meet the growing electricity demand, citing Sumatra and Sulawesi as regions requiring additional power supply.
According to Eniya, geothermal energy can be a stable baseload electricity source, helping maintain a reliable electricity supply. "Even a slight shake-up in Java immediately caused disruptions. This means we need baseload electricity; we need stable electricity," she said.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is preparing to offer 12 geothermal areas in 2026. This number consists of three WKPs, seven Preliminary Survey and Exploration Assignment Areas (WPSPE), and two WKPs whose operations are processed through assignments to PT PLN (Persero).
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2117931/how-indonesian-govt-muffles-dissent-over-geothermal-project