Why These Indonesian Villagers Are Choosing Blackouts Over Geothermal Energy | Power To The People

Overview

Geothermal energy is presented as a major pillar of Indonesia’s energy transition—especially for Flores, where geothermal resources are described as concentrated and capable of supplying reliable “baseload” power. This is contrasted with hydropower’s lower capacity and with coal’s current dominance.

Supporters argue geothermal could help Flores become more energy independent, reduce reliance on electricity from other islands, and support economic growth and development.

Why Some Communities Reject or Resist Geothermal

Despite the potential benefits, the video focuses on why some Indonesian communities choose blackouts—or at least resist geothermal deployment—rather than accepting geothermal projects. Key reasons include:

• “Power” is viewed differently in indigenous communities For local communities, energy is not just electricity. It is tied to land, water, forests, customs, and community unity. Geothermal is seen as converting these relationships into “electric current,” threatening cultural and social foundations rather than simply providing power.

• Concerns and distrust shaped by past geothermal exploration incidents Speakers emphasize drilling is not the same as mining and often uses a relatively small land footprint. However, local accounts describe harms during exploration, such as:

  • heat reportedly disappearing at sites and being relocated nearby
  • an incident involving equipment noncompliance
  • worries about skin issues from gases
  • broader environmental impacts attributed to incomplete or poorly conducted assessments

• Unfulfilled promises and persistent instability Communities reference government claims that geothermal would eliminate outages, yet they describe ongoing electricity unreliability during rainy/windy weather—including damaged cables and disruptions that especially affect internet. The mismatch between promises and lived experience contributes to skepticism and tension.

• Unequal exchange and unwanted expansion plans In Poco Leok, residents oppose increased development (planned up to around 40 MW). They argue they already have sufficient electricity and that new well pads would be placed extremely close to settlements and traditional territory, risking loss of cultural and historical areas without a fair trade.

• Community division and dialogue failures The video depicts internal splits: some residents support geothermal, some oppose it, and others stay silent. Leaders and residents call for more rational, constructive dialogue and better information-sharing, suggesting misunderstanding and incomplete data have fueled conflict.

• Mixed livelihoods impact Some locals report commercial benefits from electricity (e.g., selling bulbs and electrical goods, enabling online proxy shopping, improving food processing hygiene and sales). Others—especially farmers—fear crop loss and longer-term environmental change, which they say directly affects income and food security.

• Education and long-term planning Teachers and youth advocates argue younger generations need better understanding of geothermal—how it is managed, its risks, and its benefits—so decisions can be made with knowledge rather than fear.

Framing in the Video

Overall, the video frames geothermal as potentially valuable for reliable electricity and sustainability. However, it emphasizes that acceptance depends on cultural compatibility, environmental safeguards, credible communication, and community consent—not just technical feasibility.

Presenters or Contributors

• Unidentified indigenous community members across Flores (farmers, business owners, residents)
• An operations staff member (monitoring equipment for grid support)
• A teacher/education contributor (teaching about renewable energy)
• A Shopee proxy-shopping service operator (local entrepreneur)
• A representative associated with geothermal/planning/discussion efforts (developer/government viewpoint mentioned; specific names not provided)