Masyarakat Adat Pocoleok Kukuh Tolak Proyek Geothermal

Summary

Elisabeth, a resident of Lungar village in Manggarai, Indonesia, represents local indigenous women opposing a geothermal power plant (PLTP) expansion in Ulumbu. The project, lacking government consultation with the community since 2017, threatens their traditional land and environment. The indigenous Poco Leok community fears damage to agricultural land, water sources, and cultural heritage. Despite some individual acceptance, most of the 14 clans reject the project, citing its negative impact on coffee production and traditional livelihoods. Local activists and youth view the geothermal expansion as a threat to cultural continuity and ecological balance, urging government reconsideration and proper dialogue.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The community of Pocoleok, led by Elisabeth Lahus and other women, opposes the government's geothermal expansion plans in Ulumbu, Manggarai.
• 🌿 Elisabeth and fellow farmers fear the geothermal project will damage the environment, including farmlands and crops that are vital to their livelihood.
• 💧 A major concern is the potential depletion and contamination of water sources, essential for agriculture and daily life in the region.
• 📅 The expansion plan has been in discussion since 2017, but the local Pocoleok community was not properly informed or consulted by the government.
• 🏞️ Pocoleok people view their land as ancestral, passed down through generations, and they oppose any industrial drilling that could harm it.
• ❌ Despite the government's push for the geothermal project, most of the Pocoleok community firmly rejects it, although some members from three clans are open to negotiation.
• ⚖️ The lack of proper socialization by the government has sparked conflict within the community and raised concerns about the destruction of local culture and environment.
• 🌱 Youth in Pocoleok view the geothermal project as a threat to their cultural heritage and future generations' livelihoods, advocating for environmental protection.
• ⚡ The project is part of a national strategic plan, but critics argue that it is unnecessary as the region already has sufficient electricity supply, raising doubts about its true benefits.
• 🚫 Local resistance is supported by the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) group, which warns of potential ecological damage and imbalance if geothermal energy is extracted from multiple points on the island of Flores.

Q & A

Who is Elisabeth Lahus and why is she opposed to the geothermal project?

Elisabeth Lahus is a resident of Lungar village, in the Pocoleok indigenous community, Manggarai. She opposes the geothermal project because she believes it will damage the environment, including farmland and plantations that are vital to the local community's livelihood.

What concerns do the indigenous people of Pocoleok have about the geothermal expansion?

The indigenous people of Pocoleok are concerned that the geothermal expansion will harm their environment, particularly water sources, agricultural lands, and cultural heritage. They worry it will disrupt their traditional way of life and damage essential resources like clean water.

What are the environmental impacts already observed from the geothermal project in Ulumbu?

The community has observed a significant decline in coffee production since the Ulumbu geothermal plant started operations in 2011. They attribute this to the loss of trees and environmental degradation caused by the project.

Has the government conducted proper socialization and consultation with the indigenous community about the project?

No, the indigenous community of Pocoleok claims that the government has not conducted proper socialization or consultation regarding the geothermal project. This lack of communication has fueled resistance to the expansion.

How does the indigenous community view the geothermal project in relation to their cultural and spiritual heritage?

The indigenous community sees the geothermal project as a threat to their cultural and spiritual heritage. They believe it violates their ancestral lands, which are deeply tied to their identity, traditions, and rituals.

What specific environmental concern is most important to the Pocoleok community?

Water is the most important environmental concern for the Pocoleok community. They fear that geothermal drilling will contaminate or deplete their water sources, which are essential for drinking and agriculture.

Why do some members of the Pocoleok community personally support the geothermal project?

Some members of the Pocoleok community, although a minority, support the geothermal project because they see potential economic benefits, such as increased access to electricity and job opportunities.

What role has the Justice Peace and Integration of Creation (JPIC) organization played in this issue?

The Justice Peace and Integration of Creation (JPIC) has voiced opposition to the geothermal expansion, highlighting the lack of socialization with the indigenous community and the potential environmental consequences of large-scale geothermal projects on the small island of Flores.

What alternative energy solutions are suggested for the region instead of geothermal expansion?

It is suggested that alternative energy solutions like solar energy (PLTS) could be developed instead of geothermal. These alternatives are seen as less invasive and more sustainable for the local environment.

How has the local government responded to the concerns about the geothermal project?

The local government has acknowledged the concerns of the Pocoleok community and has asked experts from ITB Bandung to study the potential environmental impacts. However, they are also focused on supporting the national strategic geothermal project to meet broader electricity needs.