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6 clusters · 35 sources · 38 days · First seen about 2 months ago · Last updated 16 days ago

Gunung Ungaran geothermal project and Indonesia energy road

Overview

The proposed geothermal energy project in the Gunung Ungaran area of Central Java, designated as a National Strategic Project, remains a key component of Indonesia’s energy security initiatives. PT PLN (Persero) is tasked with developing the 55 MW Ungaran Geothermal Working Area as part of the 2025–2034 Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL). The project has faced local opposition due to concerns regarding environmental damage, risks to biodiversity like the Javan Hawk-eagle, and potential disruptions to drinking water sources for Semarang City and the Gedong Songo Temple complex. Recent developments emphasize the need for a data-driven approach to mitigate these risks. Ali Ahmudi Achyak of the University of Indonesia’s Research Group on Energy Security for Sustainable Development has stressed that geothermal expansion should be conducted gradually. He noted that comprehensive studies regarding hydrology and hydrogeology—including spring and river flow, water quality, and groundwater levels—are essential to protect water sources, biodiversity, and cultural heritage before proceeding.

As part of a broader national energy transition, Indonesia is advancing several renewable initiatives. PT PLN (Persero) is now providing verified green electricity to 59 national corporations through products like Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) and Green Energy as a Service (GEAS) to ensure energy traceability. Simultaneously, the Indonesian Solar Energy Association (AESI) is advocating for a 100 GWp solar power program to bolster national energy security and rural electrification.

The government is also pursuing energy independence through biofuel mandates. Following the B40 mandate introduced in early 2025, the B50 program—mandating a 50 percent biodiesel mixture—is being implemented. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources projects that B50 could eliminate diesel imports by 2026 and save approximately Rp170 trillion in foreign exchange reserves. Additionally, PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Refinery Unit Cilacap is testing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production using used cooking oil.

Entities

Gunung Ungaran · PT PLN (Persero) · Prabowo Subianto · Indonesia · Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The implementation of E50 bioethanol could eliminate Indonesia's dependence on finished gasoline imports.
[● 3 SOURCES] The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is preparing to convert coal into gasoline following presidential directives.
[● 3 SOURCES] PT PLN (Persero) has been assigned to develop the Ungaran Geothermal Working Area with a capacity of up to 55 MW.
[● 3 SOURCES] Non-tax state revenue (PNBP) from the mineral and coal sector reached Rp108.13 trillion as of August 2026.
[● 2 SOURCES] The government plans to implement E10 in 2027 and E20 in 2028 as part of a roadmap toward E50.
[● 2 SOURCES] The Indonesian government is evaluating technology partners to convert coal into liquid fuel (coal-to-liquid).
[○ 1 SOURCE] Sasol in South Africa produces approximately 300,000 barrels per day using coal-to-liquid technology.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Bogor Raya Waste-to-Energy plant targets 20 MW to 30 MW of electricity from processing 1,500 tons of waste daily.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Ahmad Yani Airport in Semarang generated 63,800 kWh of electricity from its 100 kWp solar power plant between January and June.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Investment needs for national electricity development under the 2025–2034 RUPTL are estimated between Rp2,600 trillion and Rp2,700 trillion.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Pertamina's low carbon business performance reached 101% of its 2026 target during the first half of the year.

Timeline

16 days ago

[BUSINESS] 4 sources
Indonesia advances energy independence via B50 mandate and sustainable aviation fuel
Indonesia is boosting energy independence by implementing the B50 biodiesel mandate and developing sustainable aviation fuel from used cooking oil to reduce imports and save foreign exchange.
18 days ago

[BUSINESS] 9 sources
Indonesia advances renewable energy and infrastructure projects
Indonesia is expanding its renewable energy capacity through geothermal, solar, and verified green electricity services while improving railway safety at level crossings.
about 1 month ago

[BUSINESS] 26 sources
Indonesia advances energy security through biofuels and coal-to-liquid technology
Indonesia is pursuing energy independence through E50 bioethanol roadmaps, coal-to-liquid technology, and massive renewable energy investments totaling up to Rp2,700 trillion by 2034.
about 1 month ago

[BUSINESS] 3 sources
Gunung Ungaran geothermal plant development to boost economy and reduce emissions
The Gunung Ungaran Geothermal Power Plant development in Indonesia is expected to lower emissions and stimulate local economic growth through job creation and new business opportunities.
about 2 months ago

[BUSINESS] 4 sources
Gunung Ungaran geothermal project remains in study phase amid local concerns
PLN clarifies that the Gunung Ungaran geothermal project is still in the study phase amid calls from regional officials to re-evaluate its impact on water sources and cultural heritage sites.
about 2 months ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Gunung Ungaran geothermal project faces local opposition
Central Java officials are seeking dialogue with residents opposing a geothermal project in Gunung Ungaran due to concerns over environmental safety and the preservation of local water sources.

Sources

antaranews.com · beritajatim.com · bisnis.liputan6.com · clovermedia.jp · cnbcindonesia.com · dunia-energi.com · economy.okezone.com · ekbis.harianjogja.com · ekbis.sindonews.com · en.antaranews.com · era.id · harianjogja.com · harianmuria.com · infosawit.com · insight.kontan.co.id · jatengnews.id · jawapos.com · katadata.co.id · m.jpnn.com · medcom.id · minews.id · mongabay.co.id · otomotif.liputan6.com · pendidikan.harianjogja.com · radarmamuju.com · radarsorong.id · republika.co.id · rri.co.id · ruangenergi.com · senggang.republika.co.id · suarasurabaya.net · transportasimedia.com · uzone.id · vilavalega.blogs.sapo.pt · viva.co.id

This summary has been updated 9 times: see revision history