Meeting Residents Who Refuse Geothermal Poco Leok Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara Governor: I Came To Hear Not Forced

NTT Governor Melki Laka Lena (right) during a dialogue with residents who refused the Geothermal project in Flores. BETWEEN/Ho-Humas Provincial Government

East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Governor Melki Laka Lena went directly to meet the residents of Lungar Village, Poco Leok, Manggarai Regency, who rejected the Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) or geothermal project in the area.

In the dialogue that was warm and colored by the rejection, Melki emphasized that this was the first step towards a peaceful and fair solution.

"I make sure this is not the last meeting. I came to hear, not to force it," said Melki in front of residents quoted from Antara, Thursday, July 17.

He stated that the government is committed to building NTT without sacrificing the community, and inviting all parties to take care of brotherhood in the midst of differences of opinion.

Geothermal is no greater than brotherhood and kinship. Long before this item existed, we were one big family," said Governor Melki, who previously also served as a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives.

Before the dialogue began, dozens of residents confronted the governor's entourage at the village gate with a banner of rejection. Even so, Melki still greeted the residents and interpreted the action as a form of respect.

"Thank you for the welcome. I see this as a sign of respect for my visit," he said calmly.

Melki emphasized that the construction of the PLTP will continue, but the government will still open up space for dialogue to find common ground. He also highlighted that there were differences in attitude among residents, some of whom supported, others refused.

During the meeting, a number of residents expressed their concerns about the impact of the PLTP project on customs and the environment. One of them was conveyed by Mama Merry, a representative of the residents of Lungar Village.

"We do not see direct benefits for the community. In fact, this project can damage our customary order at Poco Leok," said Mama Merry.

Governor Melki responded by saying that the voices of residents would be taken into consideration in further evaluation. He also promised to continue to be present to assist the community in this long process.