Archbishop of Ende Opposes Geothermal Project in Flores, NTT

The Archbishop of Ende, Mgr. Paulus Budi Kleden, SVD, has voiced strong opposition to a proposed geothermal power plant project in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. The Archdiocese announced its intention to pursue a judicial review of several government decrees that permit the development of geothermal energy on the island.

"Flores is not suitable for geothermal, considering the majority of the population are farmers," Budi stated during a media briefing. He highlighted that geothermal development could damage the livelihoods of the local population, who primarily depend on agriculture and natural resources. The Archdiocese, in collaboration with JPIC OFM, is challenging decrees that designate Flores as a Geothermal Island and approve work areas for geothermal exploration in Sokoria and Mataloko.

“

Flores is not suitable for geothermal, considering the majority of the population are farmers.

Concerns have been raised that the project disregards the social, ecological, and cultural aspects of Flores. Reports from residents indicate negative impacts from geothermal exploration, including damaged farmland and dried-up coffee plants, which threaten the local economy. Representatives of affected communities fear damage to water sources, agricultural land, and cultural sites.

The Archdiocese emphasized the Catholic Church's commitment to protecting human dignity and the environment. "This is about ecological justice and the protection of our common home. We need energy, but we should not sacrifice the farmers and the environment in Flores," said RD Reginaldus Piperno, Chairman of the Commission for Justice, Peace, and Pastoral Migrants of the Archdiocese of Ende. The community hopes for an energy policy that is both just and sustainable.

“

This is about ecological justice and the protection of our common home. We need energy, but we should not sacrifice the farmers and the environment in Flores.