Behind Dieng's Beauty, Geogenic Threats Loom Over Food Security
KOMPAS.com – Studies on geothermal energy in Indonesia have traditionally focused on technical reservoir systems and energy development. However, active volcanic areas like Dieng require deeper understanding as an environmental exposure landscape.
Senior Researcher from the Centre for Geological Resource Research (PRSDG) at BRIN, Riostantieka Mayandari Soedarto, presented the findings of the study titled “Earth, Water, Humans: A Geothermal-Geodermis Perspective from Dieng” during the DIGDAYA #21 webinar on Wednesday (22/4/2026).
“Dieng is not just a geothermal field, but a living landscape where interactions occur between geothermal manifestations, water sources, agriculture, settlements, and daily activities,” she stated, as quoted from the BRIN website.
In the research conducted in August-September 2025—about eight months after the last Sileri eruption—the BRIN team identified several priority toxic elements such as arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb).
Analysis results in the West Sileri area showed concerning figures. Arsenic concentrations there were found to reach 94 times the WHO drinking water guidelines. Not only in water, heavy metal content in soil media also recorded levels far above the threshold.
“Arsenic concentrations reached 562 times the US EPA comparator, antimony 6.5 times Dutch Soil Standards, cadmium 4.2 times Dutch Soil Standards, and lead exceeding Australian standards,” Riostantieka revealed.
The aim is to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and risk communication strategies for local residents.
Riostantieka emphasised that geothermal should no longer be viewed solely through energy production figures. “Geothermal needs to be understood as a pathway for mobilising elements that can interact with water, food, and humans,” she stressed.
In agreement, the Head of PRSDG BRIN, Iwan Setiawan, hopes this research will serve as a strong foundation for policymaking in more sustainable geothermal management. According to him, Earth Day momentum should remind us of the importance of maintaining balance between natural resource utilisation and community protection.
“Synergy, building networks, and competence are very important for advancing research, especially in natural resources in Indonesia,” Iwan concluded.