Indonesian archbishop rejects government energy plans in majority Catholic island of Flores

Aerial view from Flores Island, Indonesia. / Credit: Livre Partida/Shutterstock

Rome Newsroom, Jan 14, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA).

Indonesian Archbishop Paulus Budi Kleden, SVD, has spoken out against government-backed geothermal projects in Flores, the country’s most Catholic island located in East Nusa Tenggara.

According to UCA News, Indonesia’s Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry designated Flores a “geothermal spot” in 2017, identifying 16 project sites on the island in spite of strong opposition from local villagers.

“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,” Kleden said in a Jan. 10 video message.

Kleden, who became archbishop of Ende in August 2024, said residents have complained of the depletion of water springs in Sokoria and hot mud eruptions in Mataloko, UCA News reported.   

Kleden is the first Indonesian archbishop to speak out publicly against the government’s energy plans in Flores, insisting that the projects have triggered a life-threatening “ecological disaster” on the island.

In addition to encouraging priests in the Ende Archdiocese to take a stand against the social and environmental harm caused by mining activities, Kleden said local residents should be encouraged to seek appropriate legal advice to protect their land.

The Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Commission (JPIC) of the Franciscans and Divine Word congregations — who are both active and outspoken about mining in Flores — welcomed moves by the Indonesian government to protect environmental activists in September 2024 following violent 2023 protests in Poco Leok that involved Catholic student activists and Indigenous communities calling for the protection of customary land in Flores.

Father Simon Suban Tukan, JPIC coordinator for the Society of the Divine Word in West Flores, told UCA News that the new law is important to protect the rights of environmental activists who feel threatened by a “government agenda that emphasizes investment.” 

Besides religious institutions, international organizations have also responded to the mounting local opposition against geothermal plans in Flores. In October 2023, the World Bank canceled its financial support for one project on the island.