Flores, a lush island in eastern Indonesia, is rich in biodiversity and home to vast geothermal reserves. Tapped properly, geothermal energy offers a clean, renewable, and sustainable power source. Unlike fossil fuels, it produces minimal emissions and promises long-term energy security.
But in Flores, this promise has come under fire. Despite national ambitions to transition to renewable energy, local resistance to geothermal projects is growing. Why?
Flores: Indonesia’s “Geothermal Island”
In 2017, Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources designated Flores a “Geothermal Island” under Decree No. 2268 K/30/MEM/2017. This move aligned with the national strategy to shift away from fossil fuels.
Thirty geothermal sites have been identified in Flores, with a potential capacity of 900 megawatts—enough to supply 65% of the electricity needs of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Twelve of those sites lie in Ende, Nagekeo, and Ngada regencies, all under the Archdiocese of Ende. Flores forms just a small fraction of Indonesia’s 330 known geothermal sites, totaling 29,500 megawatts.
One of these projects, the Ulumbu plant in Manggarai, has operated for over 15 years and brought electricity to nearby areas. But not all geothermal projects in Flores have followed this success story.
When Things Go Wrong
The Mataloko plant in Ngada Regency, backed by the Asian Development Bank and run by state utility PLN, began drilling in 2002, right in the middle of villagers’ gardens, just meters from homes. In 2008, the project suffered a major blow: a drilling well burst, releasing hot mud and toxic gas.
What followed was worse. Mudflows became frequent. Toxic fumes lingered. Productive land was damaged. Crops like maize, coffee, and rice withered. Children and the elderly suffered from respiratory infections. Cracks split the village, graves were destroyed, and homes collapsed. Several families had to relocate.
Despite this disaster, PLN continued pushing the project without accountability, assessment, or transparency. Now, a new plant is in the works—this time threatening the Tiwu Bala stream, which irrigates 300 hectares of rice fields and provides drinking water to thousands. Villagers fear contamination and water shortages.
Resistance Rises
Communities near geothermal sites have had enough. From Waesano to Poco Leok, opposition has spread across Flores. A turning point came in January 2025, when Archbishop Paulus Budi Kleden SVD of Ende publicly rejected the geothermal projects in Ngada, Nagekeo, and Ende.
“I reject geothermal projects in three vicariates,” Budi Kleden said after hearing testimonies from affected communities. He urged his priests to speak out and support those harmed by the projects. His stance energized resistance and broke a long silence from Church leadership on extractive industries in the region.
On March 12, 2025, the Archdiocese of Ende led a protest march to the Ngada Regency government offices. Backed by nuns, priests, seminarians, and NGOs, they demanded a full stop to the geothermal projects in Mataloko, Sokoria, and other identified sites.
A Broader Church Response
Budi Kleden’s call found resonance. In their 2025 Lenten pastoral letter, five other bishops in Nusa Tenggara joined him in rejecting the geothermal projects in Flores and Lembata.
“The exploitation of natural resources, including geothermal energy in Flores and Lembata, raises questions,” the letter stated. “Are we building a better future or destroying it?”
They warned of irreversible impacts on ecosystems, food security, social balance, and cultural heritage, especially on small islands with fragile environments and water scarcity. With 80% of Flores’ population relying on small-scale farming, disruption to land and water spells disaster.
The bishops also challenged the contradiction between geothermal expansion and the region’s strategic direction, which prioritizes tourism, agriculture, and marine development. They called instead for investment in other renewable sources—solar, wind, hydro, and biomass—that better suit Flores’ geography and way of life.
A Lesson in Context
Geothermal energy is often touted as a clean and reliable solution. But as Archbishop Budi Kleden put it, “What is good on paper may not be true in reality. What works in some places may not be suitable in others.”
In Flores, local communities, church leaders, and civil society groups are sending a clear message: renewable energy cannot come at the cost of lives, livelihoods, and the environment. Not all “green” energy is harmless. Context matters.
Paul Rahmat SVD, VIVAT Team-New York
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