Framing Geothermal Energy in Indonesia: A Media Analysis in A Country with Huge Potential

Framing Geothermal Energy in Indonesia: A Media Analysis in A Country with Huge Potential

Trisiah, A. (TU Delft Organisation & Governance; UIN Raden Fatah Palembang)
de Vries, G. (TU Delft Organisation & Governance)
de Bruijn, J.A. (TU Delft Organisation & Governance)

2022

Public perceptions of emergent low-carbon technologies, such as geothermal energy, impact the speed of energy transitions. Such perceptions are largely shaped by how the media portray such technologies. This paper reports on how geothermal energy has been framed in two prominent national newspapers in Indonesia, a country with large geothermal potential due to its volcanic geology. We examined articles on geothermal energy written over ten years. Applying a quantitative framing analysis, we investigated the salience of six frames indicated in the literature as often used in communications on geothermal energy: energy security, economy, legislation, environment, knowledge, and social issues. We also examined the tone and source of the frames. The analysis reveals an overall positive tone in the newspaper articles, especially regarding the technology's energy security and economic potential, with the primary source being the national government. Possible adverse effects of geothermal technology are covered less often, particularly those related to social issues at the local level. We describe the different frames identified, provide examples and discuss implications.

Geothermal energy
media
Indonesia
perception
energy transition
frame

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:5738a32d-550c-4153-88ad-5c3abc85cd2f

https://doi.org/10.1080/17524032.2022.2144403

1752-4032

Environmental Communication, 16 (7), 993-1001

Institutional Repository

journal article

© 2022 A. Trisiah, G. de Vries, J.A. de Bruijn