Indonesian Court Sides with Tribal People Opposing Geothermal Project

A court in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province has ruled in favor of the Poco Leok community, tribal people who oppose a state-backed geothermal project, determining the project threatened their land, livelihood and environment. The ruling highlights growing tensions between Indonesia’s push for renewable energy and the rights of Indigenous communities.

Court Ruling Details

In an online ruling on March 10, 2026, a panel of judges of the State Administrative Court in Kupang ruled in favor of Agustinus Tuju, 53, representing the Poco Leok community. The civil lawsuit was filed against Herybertus Gerardus Laju Nabit, the regent of Manggarai Regency, who allegedly used intimidation tactics to suppress protests against the geothermal project.

The judges found that Nabit’s actions, specifically “obstructing the public expression of opinion by intimidating and using threatening language against the plaintiff,” constituted an “unlawful act.” The court rejected all defenses presented by the regent.

Although the court sided with the community on the issue of intimidation, requests for a public apology through media outlets and compensation for affected residents were dismissed.

Background of the Dispute

The dispute stems from a demonstration held on World Environment Day, where members of the Poco Leok community and residents from 10 villages protested the proposed geothermal project in their area. The regent allegedly mobilized supporters to threaten the demonstrators and halt the protest.

The geothermal project, first proposed in 2022 by the State Electricity Company (PT PLN), is reportedly funded by the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), a German state-owned investment and development bank. PT PLN plans to commence drilling in the Mataloko site in 2026, aiming for a 2×10 MW development.

Community Response and Wider Concerns

Ermelinda Singereta, a lawyer representing the tribal community, called the ruling “a huge victory,” stating it strengthens the Poco Leok community’s fight to defend their ancestral lands. Servasius Masyudi Onggal, a community member, described the ruling as “a breath of fresh air” and reaffirmed their commitment to resisting the project.

Father Simon Suban Tukan, chairman of the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Commission of the Divine Word congregation, emphasized the ruling as “an important lesson for all state officials to be careful in responding to citizens expressing their opinions.”

The Mining Advocacy Network reports that at least 22 residents have faced oppression, including violence, intimidation, and criminal charges, for opposing the project. In October 2024, residents allegedly experienced police assaults, but a complaint filed with the police was dismissed due to a lack of evidence.

Indonesia’s Geothermal Ambitions

The geothermal projects in East Nusa Tenggara are part of Indonesia’s broader plan to achieve a target of 35,000 megawatts of electricity. Flores Island was identified as a key area for geothermal power generation, with 16 sites selected in 2017. Flores Island has over 30 geothermal prospects with a total capacity of around 900 megawatts, but currently, geothermal power plants only meet less than 25 percent of the region’s electricity demand.

In March 2025, five Catholic bishops in the province issued a joint statement calling for a halt to geothermal projects, citing concerns about their detrimental impact on the environment and agriculture.