Legal Protection Against The Impact of Geothermal Management on Communities: A Comparative Study in Kenya, Philippines and Indonesia

Astrin Bernita Rahma; Ahmad Suryono

Authors

Astrin Bernita Rahma Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember
Ahmad Suryono Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember

Keywords:

geothermal energy, public consultation, legal protection, legal comparison, affected communities

Abstract

This study compares the regulatory frameworks in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Kenya to find out how they deal with the issue of legal protection for populations impacted by geothermal energy management. To protect community rights during geothermal energy development, this study primarily aims to determine the conceptualisation, regulation, and implementation of public consultation. The methodological references and respectable academic literature support the use of a qualitative legal research strategy with a regulatory analysis and comparative study technique to ensure the accuracy of the analysis. While there is a very extensive legislative framework in place in Indonesia, the results demonstrate that public consultation is still not consistently carried out, particularly with regard to openness, community participation, and checks and balances. In the Philippines and Kenya, accountability is greater, involvement methods are more inclusive, and procedural requirements are clearer. This research adds to the existing body of knowledge by identifying regulatory gaps in geothermal governance in Indonesia and providing examples of how other nations have strengthened public consultation duties through practices. This research identifies several regulatory and implementation gaps in Indonesia’s geothermal governance, particularly regarding transparency, accountability, and the effectiveness of public consultation mechanisms. Based on the comparative findings from Kenya and the Philippines, this study recommends strengthening Indonesia’s legal framework by implementing clearer procedural standards for public consultation, mandatory publication of consultation outcomes, enforceable government responses to public input, and the establishment of participatory monitoring mechanisms. These reforms are necessary to ensure meaningful community participation and provide stronger legal protection for communities affected by geothermal energy development.

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