Report questions who benefits from Flores-Lembata geothermal power
A Floresa report questions how planned geothermal power on Flores and Lembata will serve households, tourism and industry, while communities raise concerns about land, water and decision-making.
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Flores and Lembata — Floresa reported on November 13, 2026 that planned geothermal power projects on Flores and Lembata require clearer answers about who will use the electricity and how nearby communities will be protected.
Why it matters: The plans could affect electricity supply for households, tourism and industry while communities near proposed sites face decisions involving land, water and participation.
The report said additional generation is being discussed alongside rising electricity demand and proposed uses including households, villages, tourism, hotels and industry. It questioned whether new capacity alone would demonstrate public benefit without a clear breakdown of users and safeguards for residents’ land and livelihoods.
Planning documents and statements cited in related reporting identify several projects across the islands. Atadei in Lembata is planned at 10 megawatts, with commercial operation targeted for 2027, while Mataloko in Ngada is planned at 2 × 10 megawatts. Existing plants include Ulumbu in Manggarai and Sokoria in Ende.
A separate report by Floresa said communities in Lewokluok, East Flores, gathered on September 30, 2026, to oppose aspects of the geothermal plan. About 70 residents attended, and a petition carried 1,790 signatures, according to the report.
The debate extends beyond electricity supply to concerns over agricultural land, springs, customary land and community participation in decisions. A July report by UCA News said Indigenous communities across Flores and Lembata had rejected a proposed dialogue on geothermal development, citing unresolved harm near some sites.
Flores was designated a geothermal island by Indonesia’s Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry in 2017. The Melbourne Asia Review reported that Ulumbu and Sokoria were operating, while exploration or development was being pursued in locations including Mataloko, Poco Leok, Pajoreja, Wae Sano and Atadei.
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