Western Perspectives on a Local Issue: Indonesia should follow the Philippines’ Geothermal Example

In addressing the environmental concerns of activists in Aceh province in my last headline post, I found this opinion piece (http://www.thinkgeoenergy.com/indonesia-could-learn-from-the-philippines...) particularly relevant as it provides a solution for overcoming such problems. However, it comes with the caveat that the person providing the opinion is a Director on the Board of the International Geothermal Association, and therefore is not providing a local, Indonesian perspective.

Alexander Richter, the founder and principal of Think Geo Energy, a leader in research and news on geothermal energy, has suggested that Indonesia could learn from the Philippines’ approach to developing geothermal energy, particularly with regards to overcoming the challenges Indonesia is currently facing.
Richter asserts that both Indonesia and the Philippines face or have faced similar challenges in developing geothermal resources: unclear and conflicting regulatory frameworks, and opposition from conservation groups and indigenous people. He also says that the Philippines have overcome these obstacles through work and persuasion, and that Indonesia should follow their lead.

Richter provides the specific example of the geothermal power plant proposal in Mount Apo Natural Park in the Philippines in 1988. At the time, the project was highly controversial because the plant was to be built on ancestral territory claimed by indigenous people. However, through scientific surveys to assess the environmental impact, coupled with consultations with the stakeholders, the plans eventually went through.

Even though there is validity and plausibility in what Richter is suggesting, I feel a sense of Western paternalism and economic greed permeating the entire article, as he is clearly prioritizing Indonesia’s geothermal development from an efficiency and economic perspective, over any cultural or social considerations.