{
  "id": 2102488,
  "title": "How Indonesian Gov't Muffles Dissent over Geothermal Projects",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/how-indonesian-govt-muffles-dissent-over-geothermal-projects",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-20T08:58:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tempo.co English",
    "slug": "tempo-co-english",
    "url": "https://en.tempo.co/read/2117931/how-indonesian-govt-muffles-dissent-over-geothermal-projects"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is encouraging regional governments to promote Geothermal Working Areas (WKP) development to attract investment and prevent local dissent over the projects. The ministry's Deputy Director-General for New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation, Eniya Listiani Dewi, emphasized the importance of prompt communication between the government and regional governments. The ultimate goal is to secure approval and avoid dissenting voices that hinder investments.\n\nLocal opposition to geothermal projects has emerged in several regions. The Nusantara Indigenous Peoples Alliance noted resistance in Poco Leok, Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, and in Ende and Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara. Conflicts have also occurred in Dieng, Central Java, where the Dieng Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) has impacted the local environment and residents.\n\nResearch by the Center for Human Rights Studies at the Islamic University of Indonesia identified two primary causes for rejection and conflict. First, a low level of community participation during geothermal exploration in Jorong Pagu-Pagu, Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra, where residents were unaware of the government's decision and the impacts of geothermal development in their area. Second, environmental rights violations in Dieng, causing water and air pollution due to hydrogen sulfide gas odor and noise from well testing disrupting residents' rest time.\n\nBhima Yudhistira, Director of the Center of Economic and Law Studies (Celios), stated that geothermal development is part of the government's energy transition efforts and aims to reduce dependence on coal-fired power plants (PLTU). However, geothermal development is costly and carries high investment risks. Conflicts with communities can prolong construction time, increasing costs. Bhima emphasized that geothermal projects in Indonesia lead to more economic losses than benefits.\n\nThe ministry remains committed to geothermal development to meet growing electricity demand, specifically in Sumatra and Sulawesi. Eniya Listiani Dewi highlighted that geothermal energy can serve as a stable baseload electricity source, ensuring a reliable power supply. Even minor disruptions in Java can cause significant issues, necessitating a stable electricity supply. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is set to offer 12 geothermal areas in 2026, comprising three WKPs, seven Preliminary Survey and Exploration Assignment Areas (WPSPE), and two WKPs processed through assignments to PT PLN (Persero).",
  "summary": "Local governments are mobilized to disseminate information about geothermal projects to avoid residents' rejection.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": "The Indonesian government's push for geothermal projects aims to accelerate energy transition and meet growing electricity demand, but also raises concerns about community participation, environmental impact, and economic benefits.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}