The potential of geothermal energy is not parallel with the amount of its production due to several factors. Although technical, financial, and regulatory challenges are often cited, this paper highlights the critical role of indigenous perceptions and cultural–religious framing in shaping local responses to geothermal energy initiatives. Drawing on fieldwork conducted in South Sumatera–home to Indonesia’s most promising geothermal reserves–this study explores how local cultural and religious values interrupt people's perception and reactions to the implementation of geothermal energy. In-depth interviews conducted within participants’ homes provided nuanced insights into the socio-cultural context. Findings reveal that the economic, environmental, and quality-of-life concerns are deeply embedded in the Tunggu Tubang tradition, which prohibits the ancestral land from being traded. This cultural framework influences how local people interpret change, evaluate risks, and determine a meaningful future, including the adoption of new energy resources. We described the local culture and religious values that shape the perceptions and frames surrounding geothermal energy, offering implications for more culturally attuned energy policy and implementation strategies. ... Read more

Geothermal energy is widely promoted as a renewable and environmentally friendly resource, yet its implementation worldwide has often encountered community resistance, including in Indonesia. With an estimated 23.36 gigawatts of reserves, Indonesia hosts nearly 40% of the world’s supply, making it the most promising in geothermal development. Yet, despite this abundance, utilization remains limited, with only a fraction of the potential realized. Beyond technical, financial, and regulatory barriers, local resistance has emerged as a pivotal challenge, often rooted in cultural-religious values that shape community perceptions and acceptance.

This dissertation explores the social dimensions of geothermal energy in Indonesia, focusing on how cultural and religious values are articulated in stakeholder discourse and the critical role they play in shaping community acceptance. The research combines three complementary approaches: (1) a quantitative media framing analysis of 316 news articles, (2) surveys and interviews with 86 stakeholders across government, industry, academia, NGOs and associations, scientists, and media, and (3) qualitative interviews with residents from five villages directly affected by geothermal projects. Together, these studies provide a multi‑layered understanding of how geothermal energy is framed, contested, and legitimized in Indonesia.... ... Read more

Public perceptions of emergent low-carbon technologies, such as geothermal energy, impact the speed of energy transitions. Such perceptions are largely shaped by how the media portray such technologies. This paper reports on how geothermal energy has been framed in two prominent national newspapers in Indonesia, a country with large geothermal potential due to its volcanic geology. We examined articles on geothermal energy written over ten years. Applying a quantitative framing analysis, we investigated the salience of six frames indicated in the literature as often used in communications on geothermal energy: energy security, economy, legislation, environment, knowledge, and social issues. We also examined the tone and source of the frames. The analysis reveals an overall positive tone in the newspaper articles, especially regarding the technology's energy security and economic potential, with the primary source being the national government. Possible adverse effects of geothermal technology are covered less often, particularly those related to social issues at the local level. We describe the different frames identified, provide examples and discuss implications. ... Read more