Social Dynamics and Media Framing in the Development of Baturaden Power Plant in Purwokerto, Indonesia

Abstract

Adhering to the Paris Agreement (COP 21 UNFCCC), Indonesia has a strong commitment to reduce greenhouse gasses by 29% in 2030 and develop renewable energy. The government of Indonesia aims at 23% contribution from renewable energy to national energy mix, as stipulated in the National Energy Policy, and geothermal energy is one of the key points to achieve the target. This study looks at the social dynamics between the government, the developer, and the local community in the development of Baturaden Power Plant as a case study, and how the issues are framed in the media. A media content analysis and a study of related documents on the project were conducted to examine the conflict chronologically and identify at which point the social tension started. The study suggests that such methods can be helpful in the initial stage of investigating social, economic, cultural, and political issues which arise in the development of geothermal power plants.