In a land rich in resources and natural beauty, Jailolo’s young people face big challenges. Jailolo is a sub-district and also the capital of the West Halmahera district, North Maluku province, Indonesia. The population of this sub-district is 35,502 people (2021), with an area of 226.00 km² and a population density of 157.09 people/km². Meanwhile, the capital or administrative center of the Jailolo sub-district is in Gufasa village. The people of Jailolo are now facing a big challenge, as the plan to build a geothermal national strategic project (PSN) in their area has caused real unrest. However, the people of Jailolo, especially young people, are trying to protect their land and homes. A group of young people is trying to organize by learning, understanding, and acting.
n a research training initiated by the Salim Institute, in collaboration with Aktivasia, Celios, Enter Nusantara, and Trend Asia. Young people from Jailolo and Ternate gathered to deepen their understanding of ecology and renewable energy. This training is not just a material-sharing session but also a tool for struggle by strengthening forms of solidarity and building strong data-based mass advocacy.
During the first 5 days, participants took their learning very seriously and gained a deep understanding of various aspects of ecology and renewable energy. They learned about the importance of maintaining the balance of the Jailolo ecosystem and supporting the lives of local communities by recognizing how uncontrolled resource exploitation can have far-reaching negative impacts. An example of a geothermal project that has negatively impacted the community is GeoDipa, Dieng. The geothermal project in GeoDipa, Dieng, has negatively impacted the local community. Many local people whose livelihoods depend on the agricultural sector are now threatened by geothermal activities,” said Atina Celios.
In Indonesia, renewable energy development often ignores aspects of justice. Although renewable energy is considered a solution to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, in its application, many still forget the principles of environmental and social justice,” said Hadi Aktivasia. In this case, the use of geothermal energy must consider aspects of ecosystem sustainability and its impact on communities living around the exploration area.
This training is not only focused in the room; participants are also required to go directly to the field. During the field training, they identified the nearest energy sources in Jailolo, observed geothermal hotspots, and had direct discussions with affected communities. Participants not only learn about theory but also directly experience the reality in the field.
In this training, Enter Nusantara provided material on community organizing; this aims to build collective awareness among the community, especially young people. Enter Nusantara Coordinator, Reka Maharwati, as the presenter of this training invites participants to understand how the younger generation has a strategic role in fighting for their land rights, especially amid the challenges of industrial expansion and policies that often do not favor local communities. In this case, the participants were given provisions to organize communities collectively in fighting for their rights in a more structured manner, as well as ensuring that the voices of young people’s struggles remain heard in decision-making that has an impact on their future.
The beauty of Jailolo is a heritage that must be preserved by all parties, especially the young people of Jailolo. The existence of geothermal projects that are not based on the principle of environmental justice has the potential to threaten the ecosystem and the lives of local communities. Therefore, the hope for equitable energy must be the main principle in every development policy.
Enter Nusantara continues to be committed to being at the forefront of the environmental struggle. With forms of solidarity and demands for fair renewable energy being a real step that Enter Nusantara continues to fight for to this day. The small steps started from this training are proof that Enter Nusantara continues to strive in realizing an equitable energy transition.
