Archbishop Paulus Budi Kleden of Ende cited potential harm to the environment and local communities as the primary reason for his public opposition to geothermal projects.
Located on the predominantly Catholic Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province in Indonesia, the archbishop voiced his concerns over the planned developments in Mataloko and other areas within his pastoral jurisdiction.
The prelate made his position clear in a video statement released last week, marking the first time an Indonesian Church leader has openly rejected a mining initiative over its potential ecological and social impact.
“After listening to the people’s concerning voices and other parties, I am morally expected to voice my strong rejection against any geothermal site projects in some regencies within our Ende pastoral territory,” Archbishop Kleden said in the one-minute video.
Archbishop Kleden emphasized that his opposition was informed by extensive consultations with affected communities and clergy.
“As soon as I have listened to scores of people on the ground from Sokoria and Mataloko as well as my intensive deliberations with scores of local priests, I have no doubt at all to declare my personal opinion (as church’s local leader) to reject any geothermal site projects in scores of already-pinpointed areas within three of our pastoral territories,” he said.
Local reports to the archbishop have detailed significant environmental degradation and adverse effects on public health and livelihood.
Residents in Mataloko have reported declining agricultural yields, including crops such as coffee, cacao, vanilla, and corn.
Additionally, structural damage to homes and diminishing soil fertility have further compounded the challenges.
“Mataloko’s traditional farmers have lodged their complaints over seriously declining harvesting results,” according to local reports cited by the archdiocese.
Archbishop Kleden’s stance has drawn praise from environmental advocacy groups and church commentators.
An opinion article responding to his statement urged other Indonesian Church leaders to take similar action, stating, “We have to appreciate Bishop Kleden’s strong messages. His comments are the Church’s representative voice to secure the integrity of all creations and his strong attention to the majority of the local people (rather than economic benefits from the projects).”
The archbishop also called on priests and local leaders to play a proactive role in addressing the impacts of mining projects.
Advocacy efforts at the grassroots level, he stressed, must aim to resist initiatives that harm the environment and disrupt communal life.
Since 2017, the Indonesian government has identified Flores Island as a key area for geothermal energy development, with 17 project sites already identified.
These include locations in Daratei and Mataloko, areas known for their lush greenery and thriving agricultural landscapes.
However, Archbishop Kleden warned against prioritizing economic gains at the expense of the environment and local communities.