The Refusal of the Local Community to the Plan of Geothermal Electricity Power Plant Project

Abstract

Mount Lawu is considered a sacred area. This is indicated by several aspects, such as the place of Eyang Lawu, the story of Prabu Brawijaya V, and some places that are considered haunted. The Mount has a large forest area also, covering ​​52,385 hectares. In 2012, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources planned to build a Geothermal Electricity Power. The project was originally to be undertaken by Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) Company. However, the project has not been realized because it was refused by communities.  The problems of this article are as follows. First, is the refusal of communities based on their belief that Mount Lawu is a sacred area, so the project will damage its sacredness? Second, what is the local wisdom behind the belief of communities to preserve the natural environment of Mount Lawu? The research is qualitative. The method of collecting data using desk research. The result shows the project is considered to have the potential to damage the environment, as well as the culture and traditions of the communities. So, the project of Geothermal Electricity Power must be canceled for the conservation of the environment of the Mount Lawu Area.