Hot Stuff
Filmscreening and Discussion
Geothermal energy – how green is it?
Geothermal energy is promoted worldwide as a climate-friendly source of energy. Iceland is often seen as a success story. Around 90% of its space heating and a large share of its electricity come from geothermal energy.
In Indonesia, which has more than 40% of the world’s geothermal potential, geothermal energy is also promoted as a key solution for the country’s energy transition – including with support from the German government through the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).
But what happens on the ground? On Flores, geothermal projects have raised concerns about environmental destruction, loss of land, water pollution and threats to local livelihoods.
The documentary “Hot Stuff / Barang Panas” by Tim Indonesia Baru follows a research journey to Flores and gives visibility to the concerns of communities affected by geothermal development.
After the screening, we will discuss:
Can geothermal energy really be considered “green” if its development threatens the environment and people’s livelihoods? Who benefits from these projects – and who bears the costs?
With Venansius Haryanto, PhD researcher at the University of Bonn and activist with Sunspirit for Justice and Peace on Flores.
Date: 2 October 2026, 6 pm
Place: Babylonia Sprachschule, Cuvrystr. 23a - 10997 Berlin
The film is in Indonesian with English subtitles. The discussion will be held in English.
Join us for a discussion on the social and environmental dimensions of the energy transition – in Indonesia and beyond.