Mount Ungaran to be Drilled 2,000 Metres for Geothermal Project, Thousands of Residents Sign Protest Petition
More than 3,500 people have signed a petition opposing the geothermal energy utilisation project on Mount Ungaran, Central Java. The area slated for exploration spans nearly 30,000 hectares, with drilling points expected to reach depths of up to 2,000 metres.
The petition against the Mount Ungaran geothermal project was uploaded to the change.org website. The petition was launched by Heru P on 27 August 2026. According to monitoring by Republika on Monday (31/8/2026), the petition has been signed by 3,559 residents. In his petition, Heru identifies himself as a citizen concerned about the environment, water resources, and the future of Mount Ungaran.
Heru revealed that for the surrounding communities, Mount Ungaran is more than just a mountain. “Mount Ungaran is a source of life. Its water is essential for daily needs, agriculture, and the lives of people living on the slopes and surrounding areas. Therefore, we reject the planned geothermal drilling activities on Mount Ungaran,” said Heru.
He added that this opposition does not mean that he or other residents are against development or clean energy. “We understand the need for energy and the importance of development. However, development should not be carried out by risking the water sources and the environment that sustain the community’s life,” he stated.
Heru emphasised that public concern regarding the geothermal project in Mount Ungaran is growing because, in recent years, residents have already experienced reduced water flow, particularly during the dry season. According to him, under such conditions, the ecosystem of Mount Ungaran should be better protected, rather than being jeopardised by activities that have the potential to disrupt the balance of water and the environment.
“We do not want to wait until springs diminish, community water sources are disrupted, agriculture is affected, or environmental damage occurs before we take action,” said Heru.
He noted that in addition to water sources, forests, and agriculture, Mount Ungaran also encompasses tourism and cultural areas. In his view, all these elements are vital to the community and cannot simply be replaced if damage occurs.
“We call on the government to halt and reject geothermal drilling on Mount Ungaran. We believe that protecting water sources and the environment must be a priority,” Heru said.
According to Heru, energy sources can be obtained from various places and through various methods. However, if water sources and the natural balance are destroyed, he noted that the residents would have to bear the consequences in the long term.
“This petition is the voice of the community, which wants Mount Ungarian to remain a source of life for current and future generations,” he concluded.