Stakeholders’ Communication on Geothermal Energy in Indonesia
The Representation of Cultural-Religious Values
A. Trisiah (TU Delft - Technology, Policy and Management)
J.A. de Bruijn – Promotor (TU Delft - Technology, Policy and Management)
G. de Vries – Promotor (TU Delft - Technology, Policy and Management)
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Abstract
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....