Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia is looking to transform the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) into a “Geothermal Island,” tapping into its vast geothermal potential to reduce reliance on costly diesel-powered electricity.
The plan was announced by Eniya Listiani Dewi, Director General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), during a press conference at the 11th Indonesia International Geothermal Convention and Exhibition (IIGCE) 2025 in Jakarta.
“With God’s will, Flores can become a Geothermal Island, because the geothermal potential there is extraordinary,” Eniya said on Monday (April 14).
According to Eniya, geothermal is currently the only viable renewable energy source for Flores. While hydropower development is constrained by the island’s dry and arid conditions, solar power would require vast amounts of land to replace existing diesel consumption.
“Geothermal is the only natural blessing we can truly harness there,” she added.
Eniya stressed the urgency of transitioning from diesel, which continues to weigh heavily on the national budget. Fuel subsidies for Flores alone amount to roughly IDR 1 trillion (about $63 million) annually.
“That’s just for Flores, a relatively small region. This is exactly why we’re pushing hard for geothermal development there,” she said.
Geothermal projects are currently underway in several parts of the island, including Mataloko (Ngada), Poco Leok, and Wae Sano. But each has sparked significant opposition.
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However, the plan has met growing resistance from local communities, traditional leaders, and church organizations who fear the environmental and social impact of geothermal projects.
“To be honest, I’m currently facing protests in Flores,” Eniya admitted. “But we’re actively communicating with the governor of East Nusa Tenggara, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, and we hope to find common ground.”
The government is maintaining active dialogue with the Diocese of Ende and several private companies involved in geothermal development projects on Flores as it moves forward with its renewable energy plans.
Despite the island’s vast geothermal potential, Eniya acknowledged that public discourse surrounding the projects has been dominated by concerns rather than the potential benefits. Still, she emphasized that geothermal energy holds significant promise in meeting local electricity needs and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
(Raidi/Agung)
