Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) SVD Ende and civil society organizations have opposed the geothermal energy project in Sokoria and Mataloko, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara due to concerns over environmental destruction, forced land acquisition, and military involvement.

They highlighted the threats posed by the project, including deforestation, water depletion, and the displacement of indigenous communities. They also condemned the presence of military personnel that have been used to intimidate those opposing the project.

“We stand against this project not because we reject development, but because it is being done without transparency, without proper environmental studies, and without respect for the people who have lived here for generations,” JPIC SVD Ende chairman Father Ignasius Ledot said in a statement on Monday, March 10, 2025.

SVD Ende refers to the Societas Verbi Divini (SVD) in Ende, East Nusa Tenggara. SVD is a Catholic missionary congregation founded in 1875 by Saint Arnold Janssen in Steyl, Netherlands.

The geothermal project, which is part of Indonesia’s renewable energy expansion plan, is intended to provide sustainable electricity to the region. However, environmental activists warn that the project could cause severe ecological damage.

Geothermal extraction involves deep drilling, which risks disrupting underground water supplies and causing land degradation. The drilling could also trigger geothermal-induced seismic activity, potentially increasing the risk of earthquakes in the area.

“The government promotes geothermal energy as clean and sustainable. But if it destroys forests, depletes water sources, and displaces people, then it is not sustainable at all,” Ledot said.

Aside from environmental concerns, opposition to the project has intensified due to the involvement of Indonesian military personnel deployed to the project site. Activists and community members claim that the military is being used to suppress protests and silence dissent.

“The presence of soldiers in what should be a civilian matter is completely unjustified. The government must withdraw the military personnel and allow people to voice their concerns freely,” Ledot said.

“Development must not come at the expense of human dignity, environmental sustainability, and social justice. We urge the government to rethink its approach and prioritize the well-being of the people over corporate interests.” he added.

The Sokoria and Mataloko geothermal projects are significant initiatives on Flores Island, aiming to harness the island's geothermal potential for sustainable energy production.

Sokoria Geothermal Project

Sokoria geothermal field is situated in Ende, on the slopes of the Kelimutu Volcanic Complex, renowned for its three color-changing crater lakes. This volcano-hosted geothermal system features various thermal manifestations, including altered grounds, fumaroles, and bicarbonate-sulfate-chloride springs.

Development of the Sokoria geothermal power plant commenced in 2010 by PT Bakrie Power Corp. In 2016, KS Orka acquired the project, advancing its development. By 2017, drilling rigs were mobilized to the site, and commercial operations began in 2020. The plant contributes to Indonesia's renewable energy goals by utilizing the country's substantial geothermal resources.

Mataloko Geothermal Project

Located near Bajawa, the capital of Ngada Regency, Mataloko geothermal field is characterized by its proximity to active volcanoes such as Inerie, Inelika, and Ebulobo. The geothermal area spans approximately 996.2 hectares and is one of the most active geothermal fields in the region, featuring over 20 hot springs with temperatures reaching up to 95°C.

Exploration at Mataloko began in the late 1990s, with the drilling of exploration wells MT-1 and MT-2 under the Japan-Indonesia Cooperation Research Program. Subsequent wells, including MT-3 and MT-4, were drilled in the early 2000s. The Mataloko geothermal power plant has been operational since 1998, contributing to the local electricity supply.