Renewable energy sources, such as geothermal energy, are often promoted as environmentally friendly and efficient solutions. However, behind these benefits lie significant challenges, particularly concerning their impact on local communities and ecosystems. A policy brief released by Akar Foundation in 2023 delves into the impacts of geothermal exploration by PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) in Hulu Lais, Lebong Regency, Bengkulu Province. Policy Brief yang dirilis oleh Akar Foundation pada tahun 2023 mengeksplorasi secara mendalam dampak dari eksplorasi panas bumi oleh PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) di Hulu Lais, Kabupaten Lebong, Provinsi Bengkulu.
The utilization of geothermal energy in Lebong Regency is a vital part of Indonesia's efforts to achieve national energy security. However, this energy transition must go beyond merely shifting from fossil fuels to renewables—it must also prioritize social and environmental justice. Through participatory action research and Community-Based Monitoring (CBM) conducted by Akar Foundation in collaboration with affected communities, several challenges have been identified that need to be addressed to ensure that geothermal development benefits both local communities and the surrounding ecosystems.
Environmental Impact of Geothermal Exploration
One of the most significant environmental impacts of geothermal exploration in Hulu Lais is the drastic change in land cover. Drilling activities require deforestation, which leads to vegetation loss and ecosystem degradation. Landslides have destroyed rice fields and drinking water sources, further damaging forest ecosystems that serve as life-support systems. These activities not only disrupt soil structure but also alter water flow and cause sedimentation in agricultural areas.
Moreover, geothermal drilling releases harmful gases such as sulfur and methane into the atmosphere, exacerbating greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Toxic waste from drilling has also contaminated local water sources, posing a severe threat to communities that rely on these sources for daily use.
Not only landslides, but the impacts caused flooding. The flood was triggered by high rainfall in March 2023, causing the Air Koto River to overflow and flood Karanganyar Village, one of the villages under the PT PGE Hulu Lais concession area with a water level reaching 10-20 cm. The flood also inundated the Embong Panjang Semelako crossroad. The water overflow is estimated to be 10 cm to 20 cm with a water pool length of around 700 meters. Based on the results of community-based monitoring, the drainage built by PT. PGE Hulu Lais with a limited volume, is very likely to overflow and spread to community land. This is also driven by poor drainage in the area.
Social and Economic Impacts on Local Communities
The social and economic impacts of geothermal projects in Lebong Regency are profound. Approximately 3,000 hectares of farmland have been affected by drilling and landslides, resulting in significant drops in crop yields. Some farmers have even been forced to shift to daily labor as their land is no longer productive.
Furthermore, a glaring energy disparity exists. While Lebong Regency generates geothermal energy, most of this energy is distributed to other regions, leaving local communities with inadequate access to electricity. This creates a scenario of energy injustice where those most impacted by energy projects derive little benefit from them.
Transitioning to Equitable Energy
With a geothermal energy potential of 764 MW in Bengkulu Province, this exploration is expected to contribute significantly to Indonesia's energy transition. However, the policy brief emphasizes that an energy transition that neglects social justice will only exacerbate inequalities. The communities of Lebong Regency, who should be the primary beneficiaries, are instead facing energy and economic crises.
This shows the existence of energy injustice where most of the energy produced from this geothermal project is actually distributed to areas outside Lebong Regency, while local residents are still struggling to get decent energy access.
Recommendations for Sustainable Management
Akar Global Inisiatif's research highlights several strategic steps that stakeholders must undertake:
- Establishing Knowledge-Sharing Forums
A multi-stakeholder forum involving local governments, civil society, and affected communities is essential for discussing challenges and sharing solutions for equitable and sustainable energy management. - Revisiting Regional Energy Policies
The Bengkulu Provincial Government should review Regulation No. 7/2019 on the Regional Energy Plan to ensure it involves local communities and safeguards indigenous rights and environmental sustainability through 2050. - Comprehensive Impact Assessments
A systematic approach is needed to evaluate the social, economic, and environmental impacts of geothermal projects, ensuring the inclusion of local communities in decision-making processes. - Adopting Environmentally Friendly Technologies
PT PGE must take responsibility for sustainable resource management by implementing green technologies and conducting reclamation to restore mined land to its natural state.
Conclusion: A Path Forward
The energy transition in Lebong Regency offers a significant opportunity for Indonesia to strengthen energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. However, without a just and sustainable approach, these projects risk causing severe harm to local communities and ecosystems. Collaboration between governments, corporations, and civil society is crucial to implementing solutions that are not only economically viable but also socially equitable and environmentally sustainable.
Aliansi BUMI KITA and Akar Foundation are committed to supporting efforts toward a more just energy transition. This includes ensuring the meaningful participation of local communities at every stage and protecting their rights. The energy transition must deliver clean energy and sustainable well-being for all stakeholders.
For more details, read the full policy brief Akar Foundation – Lebong Regency Geothermal Policy Brief
Author
Pramudya Lazuardi
Policy Brief Writer
Akar Foundation, with participatory action research conducted with affected communities in Lebong Regency.
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