West Java Residents Reject Geothermal Projects, Governor to Mediate Between Ministry and Public

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has spoken out regarding public rejection of geothermal development in several areas of the province. He stated that he would bring together the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) with community representatives to discuss the matter. “From the aspect of authority, the authority lies with the Ministry of ESDM, and of course, if a permit has been granted, the rejection aspect will be directed at the Ministry of ESDM as the permit issuer,” he said at the West Java Education Office on Tuesday. He explained that the West Java governor’s task concerning the geothermal project is to reconcile the permit issuer, the permit holder, and the community. If the problem is technical or sociological in nature, it will be resolved jointly. “But if the problem involves other issues, such as mitigation that poses a threat to the environment, we will discuss it together again with the Ministry of ESDM, with the permit issuer,” he said. He continued that his administration would attempt to discuss the public’s anxieties and concerns collectively and would subsequently invite all parties. “The permit comes from the Ministry of ESDM, and the permit holder, having received the licence, feels obligated to proceed. When the execution clashes with public interests, we will invite the parties involved,” he said. He confirmed he would invite the Ministry of ESDM, resident representatives, and the geothermal permit-holding companies. Previously, residents had rejected geothermal development in the areas of Mount Halimun, Mount Gede Pangrango, Mount Tampomas, and Mount Ciremai.