Demanding environmental fairness uncovers Indonesia's pesantrens' stance against sustainable energy sources
In Indonesia, a country aiming to reach 23% of its energy from new and renewable sources by 2025, the opposition from some Islamic boarding schools, known as pesantrens, to government-led renewable energy projects might seem paradoxical. However, a closer look at the complex interplay of cultural, economic, and political factors reveals why this resistance occurs.
Pesantrens, rooted in traditional Islamic values, have been at the forefront of environmental activism since the 1970s. Organisations like Annuqayah, one of the most activist pesantrens on environmental issues, advocate for sustainable practices such as installing floating solar panels on dams and unproductive land, and using microgrid systems. Yet, their opposition to government initiatives is evident, as seen in the protest held by communities in Guluk-Guluk against the proposed solar power facility.
The opposition is not anti-renewable energy, but rather against unethical and unsustainable practices in its implementation. Pesantrens often emphasise local wisdom and community involvement, fearing that top-down approaches, such as the initiative for solar power plants in Sumenep, could ignore these aspects, sacrifice biodiversity, and perpetuate ecological injustice in the name of development.
Cultural and religious values, trust and local control, economic and social concerns, political and ideological differences, and a lack of inclusive decision-making processes are all factors contributing to this resistance. Pesantrens might oppose government initiatives if they feel that these projects are imposed without sufficient community involvement or if they perceive them as threats to their autonomy or traditional ways of life. Economic implications, such as displacement of communities or the exploitation of local resources without adequate compensation or benefits to the local population, are also concerns.
The proposed site for the solar power facility in Guluk-Guluk, an area known as the "lungs" of East Guluk-Guluk, a densely forested area with fertile terrain that serves as a major water source and agricultural base, highlights the potential harm of these projects. Removing around 110 hectares of the forest for solar infrastructure could exacerbate water scarcity, harm livelihoods, and endanger communities' long-term survival.
The principles of ecological and economic justice are crucial for a sustainable green energy transition, emphasising the interconnectedness of everything and the centrality of ethical environmental action to social justice. By addressing these concerns and involving pesantrens in decision-making processes, the government can ensure the successful implementation of renewable energy projects that align with traditional Islamic values and promote community well-being.
This article was first published in Fulcrum, ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute's blogsite. Similar concerns have fuelled resistance to geothermal or clean energy projects in other parts of Indonesia, such as Poco Leok, East Nusa Tenggara and Padarincang, Serang, Banten. A 2020 study by some Canadian scholars also supports local experiences, showing how geothermal plants may generally harm habitats and pose geological risks.
Indonesian pesantrens have been engaged in environmental activism since the 1970s, with notable instances in the 1990s when they led activism against deforestation and actively advocated for forest conservation. As the government continues to develop renewable energy projects across the country, understanding and addressing these concerns will be essential for a successful and sustainable transition to green energy.
- The opposition by pesantrens to government-led renewable energy projects, despite promoting renewable energy, stems from concerns about greenwashing and unsustainable practices.
- Pesantrens advocate for locally-driven sustainable initiatives, such as installing floating solar panels on dams and unproductive land, and using microgrid systems.
- The resistance towards projects like the proposed solar power facility in Guluk-Guluk is due to fears of biodiversity loss, water scarcity, and economic injustice.
- Cultural, economic, political, and ideological factors contribute to the resistance, as pesantrens may oppose government initiatives if they perceive them as threats to their autonomy or traditional ways of life.
- The proposed solar power facility in Guluk-Guluk, an area known as the "lungs" of East Guluk-Guluk, could exacerbate water scarcity, harm livelihoods, and endanger communities' long-term survival if 110 hectares of the forest are removed for infrastructure.
- A sustainable green energy transition should prioritize principles of ecological and economic justice, ensuring ethical environmental action, community well-being, and alignment with traditional Islamic values.
- Similar concerns about renewable energy projects have fuelled resistance in other parts of Indonesia such as Poco Leok and Padarincang, highlighting the need for inclusive decision-making processes.
- A 2020 study supports local experiences and argues that geothermal plants may generally harm habitats and pose geological risks, emphasizing the need for environmental science, industry, and finance to address these concerns in renewable energy projects across the world.
