FLORES (UCAN): “After hearing testimonies from several people, from Sokoria and Mataloko, and discussions with several priests, I have decided to reject geothermal projects in three vicariates [of the archdiocese],” Archbishop Paulus Budi Kleden of Ende, Flores Island, in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province, said in a January 10 video.
Archbishop Kleden added that in their testimonies, residents of Mataloko complained about hot mud erupting on their lands, while those in Sokoria reported that the springs in their area had died out.
The archbishop stressed the need to “encourage resistance from the people and society” based on facts and scientific information.
He asked the priests at the vicariate level to speak out against the geothermal projects and seek legal aid to help the affected people.
The Indonesian government designated Flores a geothermal spot in 2017. According to the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, it has a potential of 902 megawatts or 65 per cent of the total capacity in East Nusa Tenggara province.
The authorities have identified 16 project sites on the island amid mounting resistance from local people.
Tadeus Sukardin, a resident of Poco Leok, said Archbishop Kleden’s statement gave them hope that “the Church is on our side.” He added that the geothermal projects have “triggered an ecological disaster that threatens our lives.”
Four residents of Poco Leok together with Herry Kabut, editor-in-chief of local media outlet, Floresa, were reportedly beaten up and arrested by police on October 2 last year. They were protesting against the acquisition of their ancestral lands for the project. One of the arrested villagers reportedly sustained serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The island’s Catholics were surprised when Bishop Siprianus Hormat of Ruteng, wrote to then-president, Joko Widodo, backing the projects in May 2020. They accused the bishop of ignoring their voices.
However, the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission of the Franciscans and Divine Word congregations have expressed solidarity with the protesters.
Archbishop Kleden, who was superior general of the Society of the Divine Word until he was made bishop of Ende in August 2024, has been known as a human rights defender since his days as a priest.
He often speaks against human trafficking and recently launched a child-friendly pastoral programme in response to increasing cases of violence against women and children.
