Society
Of The Divine Word

Maumere, Indonesia, March 9, 2025 – The Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Commission of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) Province Ende has officially voiced its opposition to the development of geothermal power plants (PLTP) in Mataloko (Ngada) and Sokoria (Ende), Flores, Indonesia.

In a formal statement addressed to the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), local government officials, and national authorities, JPIC SVD Ende highlighted serious concerns about human rights violations, environmental destruction, and lack of adequate community consultation.

“We are deeply concerned about the government’s geothermal development initiatives in Flores,” the statement reads. “While these projects are promoted as clean energy solutions, they must not come at the cost of violating human rights and harming local communities.”

The commission conducted a thorough assessment using the Litmus Test, which evaluates projects based on four key principles: do no harm, poverty alleviation, respect for local communities as rights-holders, and sustainability.

JPIC SVD Ende criticized the lack of proper public consultation, citing instances where local communities were left uninformed about the project’s full impact. In Mataloko, geothermal exploration began as early as 1984, but proper community engagement only occurred in 2000 and again in 2021, leaving many residents unaware of the consequences.

In Sokoria, there were reports of intimidation, with traditional leaders (Mosalaki) allegedly coerced into signing land agreements without full understanding. “Community voices were ignored, and landowners were pressured into accepting terms that were not in their best interests,” JPIC SVD Ende stated.

The commission also raised alarm over environmental and social impacts, noting that in Mataloko, residents suffered from health problems, damaged homes, and loss of agricultural productivity, affecting key crops such as coffee, cloves, avocados, and vegetables.

In Sokoria, the Lowo Tonggo spring, a critical water source, became contaminated with geothermal wastewater, depriving the community of clean drinking water. Despite agreements to provide alternative water sources, PT Sokoria Geothermal Indonesia (SGI) failed to fulfill its promises.

Legal violations were another serious concern. JPIC SVD Ende asserted that these geothermal projects contravene multiple Indonesian laws, including Article 28 of the 1945 Constitution on Human Rights, Law No. 39/1999 on Human Rights, Law No. 32/2009 on Environmental Protection, and Presidential Decree No. 76/2020 on Geothermal Energy.

In a direct appeal to national and local authorities, JPIC SVD Ende, together with Archbishop Paulus Budi Kleden, SVD, demanded the immediate cancellation of the geothermal projects in Mataloko and Sokoria.

The statement has been forwarded to President Joko Widodo, members of the Indonesian Parliament (DPR), the National Human Rights Commission, the Governor of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), and other key stakeholders.

“We stand in solidarity with the marginalized and urge the government to prioritize the rights and well-being of affected communities,” the commission declared. “These projects have failed to meet human rights standards and have instead led to environmental damage, social conflict, and economic hardship. We call for the immediate revocation of these projects’ permits and demand accountability from the companies involved.”

JPIC SVD Ende further urged civil society organizations, environmental activists, and faith-based groups to join in advocating for justice and sustainability, ensuring that local communities are not left powerless in the face of exploitation.

GCD