Central Java Government: Mount Ungaran geothermal exploration to undergo strict permitting
The Central Java Provincial Government has confirmed that the planned geothermal exploration in the Mount Ungaran area, located in Semarang Regency and on the border of Kendal, will undergo a strict licensing process.
Dwi Suryono, Head of the New and Renewable Energy Division at the Central Java Energy and Mineral Resources Office, urged local residents on Wednesday in Semarang not to worry about the planned construction of the geothermal power plant.
Responding to public concerns regarding operational resilience and the environmental impact of the geothermal project, he provided reassurance through a historical analogy as well as the provision of a formal dialogue forum.
He cited the Kamojang geothermal power plant in West Java, which has been operating safely since 1926 and is approaching its 100th year, demonstrating that geothermal technology is proven to be sustainable without causing significant problems when properly managed.
He said the licensing for the Mount Ungaran geothermal project is clearly strict, covering everything from environmental permits to public hearings involving local communities.
The issuance of Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Decree Number 134.TK/EK.04/MEMBPE/2026 marks the beginning of a long series of preparatory stages, requiring an estimated investment of US$300 million.
“This exploration is part of proving the indirect studies. Whether there really is geothermal potential beneath the surface needs to be confirmed through drilling to depths of 1,900 to 2,200 metres,” he said.
If steam or heat is not found, he said, the exploration will naturally be concluded and the project will shift to other prospective locations.
He also stressed that the exploration permit area of 29,800 hectares will not be used entirely for the geothermal plant site, as site selection will focus on potential points supported by infrastructure readiness.
Regarding the distribution of the area, he said the majority of the concession area lies within Semarang Regency, while the remainder is in the mountainous border area of Kendal Regency.
Furthermore, he said that land use across the 29,800-hectare area serves as a search space for prospective points, while the physical construction will ultimately occupy only a small portion of the total area.
As for when the project will commence, he explained that the 2026 to 2029 phase involves permit processing, after which drilling activities will begin in late 2028 or 2029.
If sufficient heat is found to generate electricity from geothermal sources, he said, the infrastructure will then be built.
“In 2031 it will be launched or reach its commercial operation date, meaning it will be operational in 2031,” he said.