Mount Ungaran Geothermal Project Near Temple Site, Central Java ESDM: No Need to Worry
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia has issued a permit for geothermal energy utilisation in the Mount Ungaran area of Central Java. The area to be explored covers 29,800 hectares, but there are concerns that the exploration site may intersect with the Gedong Songo temple cultural heritage site.
Responding to this, the Head of New Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation at the Central Java Provincial Energy and Mineral Resources Office, Dwi Suryono, said that after the exploration permit is issued, the holder of the geothermal working area, in this case PT PLN (Persero), must still obtain other permits. This process includes holding public hearings by inviting all interested parties, including the community and NGOs.
According to Dwi, in that forum, relevant parties can submit suggestions and input regarding geothermal exploration activities at Mount Ungaran, including any concerns about the Gedong Songo temple cultural heritage site. ‘If later there are questions from the community, they can certainly be raised. Because the permit currently held does not mean activities can immediately proceed, such as drilling, which cannot be done yet,’ he said in an interview on Wednesday (26/8/2026).
Dwi said that to date his office has not received information about the locations that will become drilling points. ‘That is why I hope the public does not place too much trust in news that does not come from proper sources. There is no need to be overly worried,’ he said.
‘In essence, we will involve the community regarding the planned activities to be carried out,’ Dwi added.
He explained that the permit for exploration and utilisation of geothermal energy in the Mount Ungaran working area is set out in Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Decree Number 134.TK/EL.04/MEMBPE/2026. The geothermal business permit was granted or delegated to PT PLN (Persero).
The ministerial decree was issued in March 2026. Then in June 2026, a Risk-Based Business Licence was also issued through the Online Single Submission system. ‘The permit has been issued to explore the geothermal potential in the Mount Ungaran working area, covering approximately 29,800 hectares, which administratively lies in Semarang Regency and Kendal Regency,’ said Dwi.