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- January 28, 2025
Indonesian Archbishop Condemns Geothermal Projects Threatening Flores’ Environment
Archbishop Paulus Budi Kleden, SVD, a leading voice for environmental protection and social justice, has taken a strong stance against Indonesia’s ambitious geothermal energy initiatives in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara.
These projects, intended to bolster the country’s renewable energy capacity, have sparked significant opposition due to their adverse impacts on local communities and the environment.
Geothermal Energy Projects: A Troubling History
In Mataloko, Flores, where a geothermal power plant was constructed years ago, the project failed to function as intended and left a legacy of unresolved problems for the surrounding community. A new plant is now being constructed near the failed site, raising alarms as it draws water from areas crucial for rice plantations. Meanwhile, in Sokoria, another geothermal plant has been operational but has caused water quality issues, leading to unproductive coffee and vegetable harvests for local farmers.
“These projects have already caused a life-threatening ecological disaster,” Archbishop Kleden stated in a January 2025 video message. He highlighted the depletion of water resources and the occurrence of hot mud eruptions as dire consequences of the drilling operations.
The Archbishop’s concern is amplified by the government’s plan to establish geothermal plants in five or six additional locations across Flores, despite the island’s limited arable land. The majority of the population in the Ende Archdiocese relies on farming for their livelihoods, making land and water resources vital for survival.
Archbishop Kleden: A Voice for the Marginalized
Installed as Archbishop of Ende in August 2024, Archbishop Kleden has emerged as a steadfast advocate for the communities bearing the brunt of these developments. He has been vocal about the environmental degradation and social injustices linked to the projects, urging a halt to further geothermal expansion.
“This is about protecting not just our environment but also the dignity and rights of those who call Flores home,” he affirmed, calling on government authorities to prioritize the well-being of the people over energy investments.
The archbishop has also rallied priests in the diocese to amplify the voices of affected communities and assist them in seeking legal protections for their lands and livelihoods. His leadership underscores the Church’s critical role in addressing environmental and social challenges in Flores.
Broader Resistance and Advocacy
Opposition to geothermal projects in Flores is not new. In Poco Leok, Manggarai, West Flores, protests erupted in 2023 as Catholic student activists and Indigenous groups resisted energy investments that threatened traditional land rights.
Environmental activists have faced threats and retaliation, prompting calls for stronger legal protections. Father Simon Suban Tukan, SVD coordinator for the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Commission, has emphasized the urgency of safeguarding environmental defenders.
The international community has also taken note. In October 2023, the World Bank withdrew financial support for a geothermal project in Flores, citing widespread controversy and environmental risks. This decision was hailed as a victory for activists and Indigenous groups advocating for greater scrutiny of large-scale energy initiatives in ecologically sensitive regions.
A Call to Balance Development and Preservation
Archbishop Kleden’s advocacy reflects a broader struggle to balance economic development with environmental preservation in Flores. While the island was designated a “geothermal spot” by Indonesia’s Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry in 2017, the projects have raised fundamental questions about sustainability and respect for Indigenous rights.
Religious institutions, including the JPIC Commission and the Franciscans, have joined forces with local communities to resist projects that jeopardize the ecological and cultural heritage of Flores.
New legal measures introduced in 2024 to protect environmental activists mark a step forward, but much work remains to ensure the rights and dignity of affected populations are upheld.
As Flores’ Catholic majority stands resolute in its mission to safeguard the island’s environment, Archbishop Kleden’s leadership serves as a beacon of hope and resistance.
His unwavering commitment to prioritizing the needs of communities over unchecked development sets a powerful example for environmental and social justice advocacy.
Kasmir Nema, SVD
