The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has emphasised\nthat the development of the Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) within the\nMount Ungaran Geothermal Working Area, spanning Semarang and Kendal\nRegencies in Central Java, will be carried out gradually. The process\nwill prioritise technical studies, safety, environmental protection, and\nthe preservation of cultural heritage sites, including the Gedong Songo\nTemple.<\/p>\n
ESDM Ministry Spokesperson Dwi Anggia stated that the project is\ncurrently in the exploration and feasibility study phase, meaning\nseveral stages remain to be completed. \u201cEvery stage must be based on\ndata, technical studies, environmental aspects, licensing, and social\nconsiderations of the community. Exploration is conducted to ensure\ngeothermal potential while assessing development feasibility,\u201d Anggia\nnoted in a written statement on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
According to the 2025-2034 Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL),\nthe Mount Ungaran PLTP is planned to have a capacity of approximately 55\nMW, with an operational target of 2031. To reach the construction stage,\ndevelopers must first gain certainty regarding the characteristics and\npotential of the reservoir through a series of research and exploration\nefforts.<\/p>\n
Anggia explained that exploration drilling is conducted based on\ngeological and geophysical studies to understand subsurface conditions\nand determine reservoir targets. Surface drilling locations do not\nalways sit directly above the geothermal source. \u201cWith directional\ndrilling technology, drilling can be directed from specific points\ntowards the target reservoir underground. Therefore, well location\ndetermination is based on technical data and studies, not solely on the\nsurface position of the geothermal source,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n
In its implementation, the preservation of the Gedong Songo Temple is\na critical consideration. A 2019 social mapping study by Diponegoro\nUniversity identified a zoning system comprising core, buffer, and\ndevelopment zones. Geothermal development must adhere to these\nboundaries and regulations to ensure the cultural heritage site remains\nprotected.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe protection of cultural heritage is a vital component that must\nbe addressed throughout the entire development process. Every planned\nactivity must refer to the applicable zoning regulations and\npreservation principles,\u201d said Anggia.<\/p>\n
Regarding the land footprint, the Ministry noted that the area used\nfor the 55 MW PLTP will occupy less than 1% of the total geothermal\nworking area. During the drilling phase, land requirements are also\nrelatively limited and determined by technical studies, field\nconditions, and spatial planning regulations.<\/p>\n
Water and environmental aspects are also subject to scrutiny before\nmoving to subsequent stages. The government ensures that water needs,\npotential impacts on the environment and community, and management\nmeasures will be assessed during the environmental licensing\nprocess.<\/p>\n
Concurrently, social mapping is being conducted to understand the\nconditions of the surrounding communities, including land use,\nenvironment, and spatial planning. This approach is necessary so that\ndevelopment plans can consider the area\u2019s conditions comprehensively and\ninvolve the community from the early stages.<\/p>\n
\u201cGeothermal development is not just about drilling and power\ngeneration. There are social, environmental, spatial, licensing, safety,\nand cultural preservation aspects that must be integrated,\u201d Anggi\nemphasised.<\/p>\n
The development of the Mount Ungaran PLTP is a long-term process. The\nUngaran Working Area has been established since 2007, and development\nhas progressed through various stages, including geoscience studies,\nwell location determination, licensing, exploration drilling,\nfeasibility studies, and eventually construction and operation.<\/p>\n
The results of the exploration will serve as the primary basis for\ndetermining development feasibility. If exploration shows a reservoir\npotential that meets technical and economic criteria, and all\nenvironmental, safety, and licensing requirements are met, the project\nmay proceed to the next development stage.<\/p>\n
Experience from geothermal developments in other parts of Indonesia\nshows that geothermal energy utilisation can coexist with other regional\nfunctions. The Dieng experience serves as a relevant lesson for Mount\nUngaran, where geothermal development operates alongside areas of\ngeological, biodiversity, cultural, and tourism value, as well as\nagricultural activities. Geothermal facilities in that area function\nalongside community activities and tourism, including cultural\nevents.<\/p>\n
In the context of Mount Ungaran, a similar approach can serve as a\nfoundation to build synergy between energy development and the potential\nfor nature and geological tourism, cultural preservation, agriculture,\nthe environment, and community activities in the surrounding area.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/esdm-addresses-geothermal-development-in-mount-ungaran-1788328655", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }