ESDM states geothermal utilisation can become a new economic driver

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has stated that the utilisation of geothermal energy is not only for energy transition but also as a new economic driver to provide tangible benefits for society. “Renewable new energy is not just a technical solution, but also an inclusive and sustainable new economic driver,” said the Minister of ESDM’s Expert Staff for Human Resource Development and Entrepreneurship, Benny Indra Batubara, in a statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday. He explained that direct utilisation of geothermal energy has great potential to support sectors such as agriculture, agricultural processing, fish farming, geothermal-based tourism, and strengthening small and medium industries. Similar practices have developed in various regions such as Ciater and Kamojang, demonstrating that geothermal energy can become a source of added economic value for communities. As a country with around 40 per cent of the world’s geothermal potential, Indonesia has great opportunities to utilise this energy for sustainable development. Sukabumi is considered to have a strategic position with geothermal potential in the Mount Salak, Mount Halimun, and Kawah Ratu areas. This emerged during the Geothermal Direct Use Training for Direct Utilisation of Geothermal Energy for Government Apparatus and Field Managers at Hot Spring Locations, organised by the Centre for the Development of Electrical Power Human Resources, New Energy, Renewables, and Energy Conservation (PPSDM KEBTKE) together with the Sukabumi Regency Trade and Industry Office, West Java, on 29–30 April 2026. This activity serves as a concrete step in the collaboration between the central and regional governments to strengthen human resource capacity in optimising the direct utilisation of geothermal energy for community productive activities. The training was attended by 20 participants consisting of Sukabumi Regency government apparatus and field managers at hot spring locations. Over two days, participants received training on regulatory aspects, technical direct utilisation of geothermal energy, occupational safety, permitting, and field practices such as sampling tests, SLO verification, and the use of supporting equipment. Through this activity, PPSDM KEBTKE reaffirms its commitment to continuously providing adaptive, relevant energy human resource development programmes based on industry needs and regional potential. Furthermore, this training is expected to become the initial foundation for developing an ecosystem of direct geothermal utilisation that provides economic, social, and environmental benefits for the people of Sukabumi.