The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has emphasised\nthat the development of the Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) in Gunung\nUngaran, covering Semarang and Kendal Regencies in Central Java, is\nbeing conducted in stages. The Ministry stated that this project\nprioritises technical studies, safety, environmental protection, and the\npreservation of cultural heritage sites, including the Gedong Songo\nTemple.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe project development is currently in the exploration and\nfeasibility study stage. There are still several stages to be completed,\nand every stage must be based on data, technical studies, environmental\naspects, licensing, and social considerations of the community.\nExploration is being conducted to ensure geothermal potential while\nassessing development feasibility,\u201d said ESDM Ministry spokesperson Dwi\nAnggia on the Ministry\u2019s official website on Wednesday (2\/9\/2026).<\/p>\n
Based on the 2025-2034 Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL), the\nGunung 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 obtain 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 carried out 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith directional drilling technology, drilling can be directed from\na specific point towards the target reservoir underground. Therefore,\nthe determination of well locations is based on data and technical\nstudies, rather than solely on the surface position of the geothermal\nsource,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n
The ESDM Ministry is considering the importance of preserving the\nGedong Songo Temple. A social mapping study by Diponegoro University in\n2019 identified a regional zoning system comprising core, buffer, and\ndevelopment zones. This geothermal project adheres to the applicable\nboundaries and regulations to ensure the cultural heritage area remains\nprotected.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe protection of cultural heritage is a component that must be\naddressed throughout the entire development process. Every planned\nactivity must refer to the applicable zoning regulations and\npreservation principles,\u201d said Anggia.<\/p>\n
In addition to the activity locations, the total area of the working\narea must be understood proportionally. Out of 100% of the geothermal\nworking area, the total land used for a 55 MW PLTP is less than 1%.\nDuring the drilling stage, land requirements are also relatively limited\nand determined based on technical studies, field conditions, and\nenvironmental and spatial planning regulations.<\/p>\n
Water and environmental aspects are also part of the studies before\nmoving to the next stage. The government ensures that water\nrequirements, potential impacts on the environment and community, and\nmanagement measures will be assessed during the environmental licensing\nand permit fulfilment process.<\/p>\n
In line with this, social mapping is conducted to gain an overview of\nthe community conditions around the activity area, including social\naspects, land use, environment, and spatial planning. This approach is\ntaken so that development plans can consider the overall condition of\nthe area and involve the community from the early stages.<\/p>\n
\u201cGeothermal development is not just about drilling and power\ngeneration. There are community, environmental, spatial, licensing,\nsafety, and cultural preservation aspects that must be considered in an\nintegrated manner,\u201d Anggia asserted.<\/p>\n
The Gunung Ungaran PLTP project is a long-term process; the Ungaran\nWorking Area (WKP) was established in 2007, and since then, development\nhas been carried out through various stages, ranging from geoscience\nresearch and studies, well location determination, preparation and\nfulfilment of permits, exploration drilling, feasibility studies, to the\ndecision on construction and operation.<\/p>\n
Exploration results will serve as a primary basis for determining\ndevelopment feasibility. If exploration results show reservoir potential\nthat meets technical and economic aspects, and all environmental,\nsafety, and licensing requirements are met, the project may be\nconsidered for the next stage of development.<\/p>\n
For the ESDM Ministry, experience from geothermal projects in various\nregions of Indonesia shows that the utilisation of geothermal energy can\ncoexist with other regional functions. For example, Dieng serves as a\nrelevant lesson for Gunung Ungaran, as geothermal development there\ntakes place in an area with geological, biodiversity, cultural, tourism,\nand agricultural value.<\/p>\n
The presence of geothermal facilities in the Dieng area is deemed\ncapable of coexisting with various community and tourism activities,\nincluding cultural activities involving the community around the\ngeothermal area.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/esdm-asserts-gunung-ungaran-geothermal-project-is-phased-and-study-based-1788354445", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }