Despite cultivating a global reputation as a defender of Palestinian rights, Indonesia has approved a geothermal concession on Halmahera, a forested island in eastern Indonesia, involving a company embedded in Israel’s economic system. The decision carries two clear risks. It weakens Indonesia’s political position on Palestine and exposes a fragile environment to deeper industrial pressure. This is not only a foreign policy contradiction. It is a development choice with lasting ecological consequences.

On January 8, 2026, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources awarded the Telaga Ranu geothermal working area to PT Ormat Geothermal Indonesia as part of the national push toward the Net Zero Emission 2060 target. Expanding renewable energy is necessary in a country still reliant on coal. Urgency, however, does not justify overlooking political alignment or environmental protection.

Large nickel complexes backed primarily by China have transformed parts of the island into processing hubs tied to the electric vehicle battery supply chain.

Large nickel complexes backed primarily by China have transformed parts of the island into processing hubs tied to the electric vehicle battery supply chain.

Halmahera is already under mounting global demand. Large nickel complexes backed primarily by China have transformed parts of the island into processing hubs tied to the electric vehicle battery supply chain. Investors connected to Japan and South Korea have financed smelters, captive power plants, and logistics networks to secure mineral access. Forest loss has accelerated in industrial zones. Coastal waters face rising stress. Communities are adjusting to abrupt economic change.

The geothermal concession adds........

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