Task-force review finds problems at six Flores geothermal sites

Flores — A 2025 investigation by an East Nusa Tenggara provincial task force found environmental problems, social conflict and alleged violations in approval processes at six geothermal locations in Flores and Lembata, according to a Floresa analysis published on 28 October 2026.

The locations identified in related reporting are Wae Sano in West Manggarai, Ulumbu in Manggarai, Mataloko and Nage in Ngada, Sokoria in Ende, and Atadei in Lembata. The task force was formed by the governor of East Nusa Tenggara in response to opposition to geothermal projects, according to Floresa.

The six-site investigation was described as a response to opposition from residents in several areas, with support from Catholic Church figures. Floresa reported that the task force’s findings included environmental concerns, social disputes and alleged problems in efforts by companies to secure project approval.

At Wae Sano, Floresa reported that the nearest drilling point was 85 metres from residents’ homes and was said to risk contaminating springs. At Mataloko, a 2025 academic study identified environmental degradation, water pollution, declining agricultural output and exposure to hydrogen sulphide as central issues in the dispute involving the project, residents and church institutions.

Why the findings matter for Flores readers

The investigation concerns six proposed or operating geothermal locations across Flores and Lembata, including sites where residents have opposed project development. The findings place environmental conditions, social conflict and approval procedures at the centre of scrutiny over geothermal expansion in the province.

Separate reporting by Betahita said civil-society groups criticised the government’s response to opposition at geothermal sites and argued that the task force’s conclusions overlooked serious environmental impacts and the scale of customary-community resistance. JATAM reported similar criticism of the investigation announced in Kupang on 4 July 2025.

Floresa’s 28 October analysis linked the current concerns to the provincial task-force investigation conducted in 2025. The reports do not state a new enforcement measure or a new project timetable following the analysis.

Sources

• Floresa — analysis
• pikiran-rakyat.com
• Betahita — report on task-force criticism
• JATAM — report on geothermal task-force response