Mount Ungaran Geothermal Project Faces Opposition; Regional Council Promises to Consult Ministry of Energy

The Chairperson of Commission D of the Central Java Provincial DPRD, Nur Saadah, has announced that the council will meet with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) to seek detailed information regarding the planned geothermal energy project at Mount Ungaran. This follows a wave of local opposition due to fears that the project could damage the surrounding environment.

Nur stated that in March 2026, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources issued a decree assigning the geothermal business management in the Mount Ungaran Geothermal Working Area (WKP) to PT PLN (Persero). Recently, voices of opposition to the project plan have emerged. “I have received reports of some community resistance,” Nur said during an interview on Tuesday (1/9/2026).

According to Nur, the Central Java DPRD has not yet officially received formal reports of citizen protests regarding the project plan in the Mount Ungaran WKP. Nevertheless, she stated that Commission D of the DPRD will follow up on the community’s reactions and responses to the proposed project.

“In the near future, we will conduct a visit to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. We will request an explanation regarding the national strategic programme located in Mount Ungaran,” said Nur.

She added that the visit will take place as soon as possible. Nur mentioned that she and other members of Commission D of the DPRD plan to depart for Jakarta on 8 September 2026. “Since this is a Central Java territory, we must be informed; we represent the people to voice their concerns and desires,” she said.

Nur noted that during the visit to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Commission D will enquire about various aspects of the Mount Ungaran WKP project plan. “We will ask about the benefits, the process, and the elements that the community considers dangerous,” she remarked.

She added that all information obtained by the Central Java DPRD from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources will be communicated to the public. Nur understands that the government is currently striving to develop new and renewable energy potential; however, she believes this must be accompanied by socialisation and education for the community.

“The central government, through its regional branches, can provide understanding to the community to prevent unrest,” said Nur.