Mama Merry To The Governor Of NTT: Geothermal Threatens Our Indigenousness In Poco Leok

MANGGARAI NTT - We do not see the direct benefits of this project. Instead, PLTP can damage our customary order in Poco Leok.

The statement was made by Mama Merry, an traditional woman from Lungar Village, to the Governor of NTT Melki Laka Lena, during a direct dialogue at their village, Thursday, July 17.

With a smooth but firm voice, Mama Merry voiced the concerns of residents who rejected the Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) or geothermal project in their customary area.

Governor Melki came directly to Poco Leok to hear the aspirations of the people, amidst the rejection of some residents for the construction of the geothermal project.

Even though they were intercepted by a protest at the village gate, the governor still greeted the residents and continued the dialogue.

"I make sure this is not the last meeting. I came here to hear, not force," said Melki, responding to the aspirations of the residents.

He emphasized that the provincial government opened a discussion space and guaranteed that there would be no attempt to marginalize the community in the strategic project.

In the open forum, Melki touched the human side and the kinship of the Manggarai community.

Geothermal is no greater than brotherhood and kinship. Long before this item existed, we were a big family," said Melki in front of the residents.

However, he also said that the PLTP project was still running, because it was included in the grand plan for the development of clean energy in NTT. According to him, the government believes that there will be a common ground between the development and preservation of the custom.

"If our intentions are evil against Poco Leok, we will not survive getting out of here," he added.

The rejection of some residents cannot be separated from concerns about environmental, social, and violations of customary values. Apart from Mama Merry, a number of local figures voiced fear of the loss of customary forests and the destruction of the spiritual balance of their ancestral lands.

Geothermal is not only talking about electricity, but also about our hereditary life in this land, said another resident.

Melki realized that the pros and cons in the midst of the people of Poco Leok are real things. Therefore, he is committed to bridging all voices and will return to dialogue in the future.