New API chairman elected, focuses on geothermal development for energy sovereignty
Indonesia has significant geothermal potential of 24 gigawatts (GW). API remains a trusted partner of the government in driving its development, including by overseeing the government’s energy sovereignty roadmap.
Ahmad Yani, chairman of the Indonesian Geothermal Association (API)/Indonesian Geothermal Association (INAGA) for the 2026–2029 period, stated that the association is focused on advancing the national geothermal industry in support of energy sovereignty.
Ahmad Yani, who serves as president director of PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGE), was elected chairman of API/INAGA for the 2026–2029 period. He was elected through the XII National Conference (Munas) of API/INAGA held on Thursday (20/08) at the Jakarta Convention Center Senayan, Jakarta.
Ahmad Yani expressed his appreciation for the trust placed in him to lead API/INAGA and said he hopes to contribute to the development of the national geothermal industry.
As chairman of API/INAGA, Ahmad Yani is determined to continue the efforts built by the previous leadership while strengthening the association’s role in advancing the national geothermal industry.
According to him, geothermal development requires synergy between the government, business actors, financing institutions, academics, technology providers, and the public. This synergy is needed to create an increasingly strong and competitive industry ecosystem.
“Currently, we have mapped a potential of 3 GW that can be developed. However, its development faces challenges, including how to create an investment climate that is increasingly feasible and bankable. Improvements are needed in tariff schemes, proposed incentives, and the necessary support so that the geothermal industry can grow. At the same time, we need to ensure the readiness of human resources, technology, and social aspects in every project development,” said Ahmad Yani.
In line with the direction of national energy development, PLN’s Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) 2025-2034 also encourages the acceleration of geothermal utilisation, with an additional geothermal power plant capacity of 5.2 GW during that period.
Ahmad Yani’s election also coincides with the momentum of 100 Years of Geothermal Development in Indonesia. Exactly a century ago, the first geothermal well was drilled in Kamojang, West Java, marking the beginning of geothermal development in the country.
However, to date, geothermal utilisation is still around 11 percent of the total national potential. This centenary momentum serves as a foundation for Ahmad Yani to enter a new chapter of Indonesian geothermal development through strengthening project economics, technological innovation, and cross-stakeholder collaboration.