ESDM Committed to Protecting Cultural Heritage Sites During Ungaran Geothermal Plant Development

In accordance with technical and safety guidelines, we are paying close attention to cultural heritage areas.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has ensured that the development of the geothermal power plant (PLTP) in the Gunung Ungaran Geothermal Working Area (WKP), Central Java, will take into account cultural heritage sites, including the Gedong Songo Temple.

“In accordance with technical and safety guidelines, we are paying attention to that (cultural heritage areas),” said the Director General of New, Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) at the Ministry of ESDM, Eniya Listiani Dewi, when met during the 12th IndoEBTKE ConEx 2026 held in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Eniya referred to the successful development of the geothermal power plant in the Dieng area, which is also located in a region possessing significant geological, biodiversity, cultural, tourism, and agricultural value.

“We can look at Dieng, Wonosobo, as an example. It is also a tourism destination and holds great potential. The proof is that Dieng has turned out well; production forests have been restored to green forests. This is being very carefully considered,” said Eniya.

She also stated that her department will communicate with the local communities within the Gunung Ungaran Geothermal Working Area, spanning the Semarang and Kendal Regencies in Central Java.

The Ministry of ESDM will explain that the geothermal drilling sites are located far from the cultural heritage areas. Furthermore, Eniya emphasised that the purpose of developing the PLTP in the Gunung Ungaran WKP is to maintain electricity stability in Central Java.

“We will build something similar to what was done in Dieng. The proof is that there are no issues in Dieng, and it has contributed to the stability of the Java grid. Central Java is part of the region where the grid must be maintained,” said Eniya.

Based on the 2025–2034 Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL), the Gunung Ungaran geothermal plant is planned to have a capacity of approximately 55 MW, with an operational target set for 2031.

To reach the construction stage, developers must first obtain certainty regarding the characteristics and potential of the reservoir through a series of research and exploration activities.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Dwi Anggia, stated that the preservation of the Gedong Songo Temple is one of the critical considerations in the development of the Gunung Ungaran PLTP.