The Government Affirms Mount Lawu Not Entering The Geothermal Mining Area

JAKARTA - The government confirms that the Gunung Lawu area, which is located on the border of East Java and Central Java, is not included in the geothermal mining working area (WKP).

The Director General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Eniya Listiani Dewi, said the decision shows the government's commitment to preserving the historical, cultural, and spiritual values of the Mount Lawu area, while ensuring that energy development is carried out carefully.

"We emphasize that Mount Lawu is not included in the geothermal mining work area. There is no auction process or exploration activity in the area," said Eniya in his statement in Jakarta, Antara, Sunday, October 19.

According to him, the government adheres to the principles of prudence and respect for cultural and spiritual values of the people around Mount Lawu.

The geothermal development plan in the area has actually been submitted since 2018, but after a thorough evaluation, the working area was officially removed in 2023.

As a follow-up, in 2024 the central government will hold an audience with the Karanganyar Regency Government, Central Java, and academics from Sebelas Maret University (UNS).

From the results of the discussion, Jenawi District, Karanganyar, was proposed as an alternative location because it is far from cultural heritage areas, spiritual sites, and areas that have close ties to Mount Lawu.

Eniya explained that the activities planned in Jenawi were only in the form of preliminary and exploration surveys (PSPE), not direct drilling or exploitation.

"PSPE starts with a geoscience survey, namely a scientific study to map the geothermal potential as well as ensure that all cultural sites, sacred areas, and conservation forests are not included in the survey area," he said.

This study in Jenawi is expected to be a scientific basis for the use of geothermal energy with a potential of up to 40 megawatts (MW) or the equivalent of electricity needs of more than 40,000 households.

This PSPE is only a preliminary survey. Drilling will be carried out later after the survey results ensure that no sacred areas or conservation forests are affected. All stages will be carried out in a transparent and participatory manner," explained Eniya.

He added that PSPE activities would not be carried out before the entire hearing, socialization and open discussion process with stakeholders was completed.

By considering the social, cultural and environmental aspects, PSPE Jenawi will certainly not be carried out in 2025.

"We want to ensure that all processes run with full caution and can be accepted by all parties. As long as the dialogue is still ongoing and the stages are not complete, we will not carry out PSPE in Jenawi first," said Eniya.