Cianjur geothermal potential could bring clean energy and local economic opportunities

Cianjur's geothermal potential should deliver more than clean energy. It should also create jobs and strengthen local micro, small and medium-sized businesses, speakers said at the Geothermal Fun Day event.

M. Arief Rosyid Hasan, a national youth activist and former chairman of PB HMI, said public resistance to large energy projects partly stems from fears that nearby communities will see little direct benefit. He argued that the area's natural resources could open the way to stronger local economic activity and improved welfare.

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Cianjur residents must become hosts in their own region.

"Cianjur residents must become hosts in their own region," Arief said. He linked the geothermal opportunity to the idea that gratitude brings further blessings, saying employment and economic opportunities should come alongside the development of the resource.

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It is impossible to see a good future for Indonesia using the old ways. It is impossible to become a developed nation while still relying on fossil fuels. Something new can be achieved only with new methods, new thinking and new people.

Arief also called for a break with old approaches to national energy policy and regional development. "It is impossible to see a good future for Indonesia using the old ways. It is impossible to become a developed nation while still relying on fossil fuels," he said. He added that new results require new methods, new thinking and new people, and that a pentahelix collaboration could secure broad support for renewable-energy policy.

Dodi Faraitody, rector of UNPI Cianjur, said public participation must go beyond an administrative formality. Residents should fully understand geothermal development and be approached persuasively, he said. Geothermal energy is relatively safe for the environment from a technical standpoint, Dodi added, provided authorities enforce the law and consistently follow required procedures.

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Public participation must not be merely an administrative formality. The public must understand the issue fully. Communities must also be approached persuasively.