HIDUP BERSAMA PANAS BUMI - Dampak geotermal di Jawa, Sumatra, dan Flores

Summary

The 'New Indonesia Expedition' follows a team of journalists exploring Indonesia's geothermal energy projects. Despite Indonesia holding 40% of the world's geothermal potential, its use remains limited. The video highlights both the promise and risks of geothermal energy, such as environmental damage, health hazards, and air pollution. Residents near geothermal sites, like Dieng Plateau and Flores, report issues like contaminated water and health problems linked to sulfur gases and toxins. While geothermal energy is considered cleaner than coal, its sustainability and the health impact on communities are under scrutiny.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indonesia holds 40% of the world's geothermal energy potential but currently uses only 10-11% of it for electricity needs.
• 😀 The Indonesian government aims to increase renewable energy usage to 23% by 2030, though the target was initially set for 2025.
• 😀 Geothermal energy is considered more environmentally friendly than coal, which is linked to respiratory diseases and cancer.
• 😀 In the Dieng Plateau, residents have complained about groundwater contamination linked to geothermal operations, affecting the taste and quality of drinking water.
• 😀 Geothermal energy production involves the release of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas, which is toxic, corrosive, and can cause health issues.
• 😀 In February 2024, a hydrogen sulfide leak at the Sorik Marapi geothermal plant caused over 100 residents to suffer symptoms of poisoning, including nausea and dizziness.
• 😀 The Sorik Marapi geothermal plant had a previous incident in 2015, where a gas leak killed five people, highlighting recurring safety issues.
• 😀 Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, has been designated a geothermal island by the government, with 21 planned geothermal drilling projects since 2017.
• 😀 Residents in Mataloko, Flores, have reported environmental changes like damaged plants, rusting roofs, and skin diseases linked to geothermal activities.
• 😀 Researcher Yuyun Ismawati warned that geothermal energy, while considered clean, can release harmful gases like H2S and heavy metals like arsenic, which pose health risks to residents.
• 😀 A comprehensive approach to research and monitoring is essential to ensure geothermal energy projects are safe, sustainable, and gain public support.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of the New Indonesia expedition?

The primary goal of the New Indonesia expedition is to document and explore Indonesia from various perspectives, including environmental, social, cultural, economic, and political aspects.

Why is Indonesia considered a key player in geothermal energy?

Indonesia is a key player in geothermal energy because it owns 40% of the world's geothermal potential due to its position on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Despite this, only 10-11% of its electricity needs are met by geothermal energy.

What is the current situation regarding renewable energy in Indonesia?

As of now, renewable energy in Indonesia accounts for only 17-20% of the total energy needs. The government had targeted 23% by 2025, but this target has been delayed to 2030.

How does geothermal energy compare to coal in terms of environmental impact?

Geothermal energy is considered more environmentally friendly than coal. Unlike coal, geothermal does not burn fossil fuels and produce carbon emissions, reducing its environmental impact and health risks such as respiratory issues and cancer linked to coal-fired power plants.

What environmental issues have been reported by local residents near geothermal plants in Indonesia?

Residents near geothermal plants have reported various environmental issues, including changes in water quality, with groundwater becoming salty or contaminated, and negative impacts on agriculture, such as damaged crops.

What health risks have been associated with geothermal energy projects in Indonesia?

Health risks associated with geothermal energy projects include poisoning from hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas, which can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and fainting. In some cases, these incidents have led to hospitalizations or even deaths.

Can you provide an example of a health incident related to geothermal energy in Indonesia?

One significant incident occurred in February 2024 in Sorik Marapi, North Sumatra, where 123 residents were hospitalized due to poisoning from hydrogen sulfide gas. This followed similar incidents in 2015, 2022, and 2022, where several residents were poisoned.

What actions have been taken by Indonesian authorities in response to geothermal-related health incidents?

In response to geothermal-related health incidents, the Indonesian government, specifically the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, acknowledged the failures in planning and coordination at the Sorik Marapi Geothermal Power site and vowed to improve procedures to prevent further occurrences.

What issues have residents in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, faced regarding geothermal projects?

Residents in Flores, particularly in Mataloko, have faced environmental and health issues linked to geothermal projects, such as skin diseases, damaged crops, and rusted roofs, which they believe are caused by geothermal drilling activities.

What potential risks does geothermal energy pose to human health, according to experts?

Experts, like hazardous waste researcher Yuyun Ismawati, emphasize that geothermal energy, while considered clean, can release harmful gases like hydrogen sulfide and arsenic. These can cause serious health problems, particularly for children and vulnerable populations.