Green Grabbing in Renewable Energy Policy: A Case Study of the Wae Sano Geothermal Project

¹ Department of Government Studies, Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang, 65144, Indonesia
² Department of Social Sciences, University of Aridzona, United States

^* Corresponding author: iradhas@umm. ac.id

Abstract

The phenomenon of green grabbing in renewable energy projects demonstrates the paradox between global interests in reducing emissions and local realities facing the threat of losing living space. This paper specifically examines the practice of green grabbing in the Wae Sano geothermal project in East Nusa Tenggara. This case was chosen because it demonstrates the tension between the agenda of reducing fossil fuels, tourism interests, and the socio-ecological sustainability of indigenous communities. Geothermal energy is promoted as green energy, but at the local level, consistent resistance has emerged since 2018 because the project area encompasses settlements, water sources, agricultural land, and traditional sites. To explain these dynamics, this study uses a desk study method by analyzing media reports, advocacy documents, and academic studies. This research shows that the Wae Sano project reflects a pattern of green grabbing, where the narrative of renewable energy is used to legitimize the takeover of community living space. This pattern of green energy policies without meaningful participation actually gives rise to environmental injustice. The energy transition, claimed as a sustainability agenda, risks losing social legitimacy if it ignores the rights of local communities.