Archbishop Paul Boedhie Kleden Opposes Geothermal Projects on Flores Island
By: Robert Buluma
The lush landscapes of Flores Island, Indonesia, known for its vibrant Catholic population and rich agricultural traditions, have recently become a battleground over environmental and social concerns. Archbishop Paul Boedhie Kleden of Ende Diocese has openly opposed geothermal power plant projects in the region, raising significant questions about the balance between renewable energy initiatives and their local impact.
In a video message, the archbishop firmly rejected geothermal projects planned within his pastoral territories, citing widespread community opposition and environmental degradation. His stance is a historic first for an Indonesian Church leader openly challenging mining-related energy developments, signaling growing concerns about how such projects impact the livelihoods of local communities.
The Concerns
Flores Island, officially designated a geothermal development zone by the Indonesian government since 2017, is home to over 15 proposed geothermal projects. However, these projects have sparked widespread discontent among residents, particularly farmers whose livelihoods depend on fertile soil and access to water.
The archbishop’s opposition stems from consultations with clergy and affected communities in areas like Sokoria and Mataloko, where ongoing and failed geothermal projects have caused considerable distress. Residents have reported declining agricultural yields for vital crops such as coffee, vanilla, and corn. Soil degradation, water scarcity, and structural damage to homes have compounded their struggles.
Mataloko is a particularly poignant example. The area hosts an older, non-functional geothermal plant that has left a legacy of environmental harm, according to local reports. Despite this failure, another plant is under construction nearby, threatening already limited water resources crucial for rice cultivation.
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A Call for Responsible Development
Archbishop Kleden’s statement highlights the need for greater accountability in energy development. He emphasized that while the Church supports renewable energy, projects must prioritize the well-being of local communities and ecological balance.
“In our diocese, most people are farmers, and there is very limited area for farming,” Kleden explained. “Water quality has been affected, and residents have been unable to harvest their coffee and vegetables.”
With plans to expand geothermal projects to five or six more locations in the diocese, the archbishop’s concerns underline the potential for widespread social and environmental disruption.
Striking a Balance
This debate raises broader questions about the implementation of renewable energy initiatives in ecologically sensitive areas. While geothermal energy is a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, its development must account for local needs and avoid replicating the harms of traditional mining practices.
As the Indonesian government continues to explore geothermal energy’s potential, the concerns voiced by Archbishop Kleden and the people of Flores Island serve as a reminder: Renewable energy must not come at the expense of human and environmental well-being.
Archbishop Kleden’s courageous stance challenges policymakers and energy developers to find solutions that benefit both the planet and its people. The situation on Flores Island highlights the complex intersection of sustainability, social justice, and economic development—an area where all stakeholders must engage in meaningful dialogue to ensure a just transition to renewable energy.
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