Poco Leok woman tells court women were excluded from geothermal consultation

Ruteng — Ermelinda Jebarus testified on 20 October 2026 at the sixth hearing of Constitutional Court Case 307/PUU-XXIV/2026, saying Poco Leok women were excluded from consultation before geothermal drilling locations were designated, according to Floresa and the Constitutional Court.

Jebarus, from Gendang Lungar in Manggarai, described the exclusion during proceedings challenging provisions of Law No. 6 of 2023 on Job Creation. The case addresses spatial planning, public participation in environmental-document preparation, land acquisition for public purposes and the authority of the Land Bank.

She said women in Poco Leok were not involved in socialisation before drilling sites were set. She also told the court that women’s roles include managing gardens, securing household food supplies and carrying out care work, according to Floresa’s report.

The challenged geothermal development is an expansion of the Ulumbu Geothermal Power Plant in Wewo village. Floresa reported that the development area lies about three kilometres from the existing plant and covers customary communities in Lungar, Mocok and Golo Muntas villages.

The expansion of Units 5–6 is planned to generate 2×20 megawatts, compared with about 10 megawatts from the existing Ulumbu plant, the report said. Residents have opposed the plan over decision-making, customary land, possible effects on gardens and water sources, and the role of security personnel.

Why it matters to readers

The testimony places Indigenous women’s participation at the centre of a land and energy dispute in Manggarai. The Constitutional Court proceedings may affect how consultation and participation are understood in projects involving customary land and environmental impacts, according to the case reporting.

The Constitutional Court said the 20 October hearing heard two experts and two witnesses presented by the applicants, including Jebarus and Ribka Towelo. Floresa reported that the application was filed on 12 August 2026 and that the first preliminary hearing took place on 27 August.

Sources

• Floresa — regional news organisation
• suara.com