Ministry Of Energy And Mineral Resources Affirms Mount Lawu Not Entering The Geothermal Working Area

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) ensures that Mount Lawu is not included in the Working Area of Pana Bumi (WKP).

The Director General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Eniya Listiani Dewi, said that this certainty is a form of the government's commitment to maintaining the historical, cultural, and spiritual values of the Mount Lawu area, while ensuring that every energy development plan is carried out in line with the environment and respecting the aspirations of the community.

"We emphasize that Mount Lawu is not included in the Geothermal Working Area. There is no auction process or exploration activity in the area. The government adheres to the principles of prudence and respect for the cultural and spiritual values of the community," said Eniya, quoted Monday, October 20.

According to Eniya, this decision is the result of a thorough evaluation of the development plan at the Gunung Lawu WKP which was proposed in 2018 and officially deleted in 2023.

As a follow-up, in 2024 the government will hold an audience with the Karanganyar Regency Government and involve academics from Sebelas Maret University (UNS). From the results of the discussion, Jenawi District is proposed as an alternative location because it is far from cultural heritage areas, spiritual sites, and areas that have close ties to Mount Lawu.

At that location, the government only plans the Preliminary and Exploration Survey (PSPE). PSPE begins with geoscience survey activities which are the initial scientific studies to map the geothermal potential as well as ensure that all cultural sites, sacred areas, and important locations for the community are excluded from the study area. The study is also the basis for determining the location of the well site for drilling to be carried out at least 1 exploration well.

The study in Jenawi is expected to provide a scientific basis for the use of potential geothermal energy up to 40 MW, equivalent to electricity needs of more than 40,000 households. However, the government emphasized that the development of clean energy should not sacrifice the historical, cultural and spiritual values of the community.

"This PSPE is only a preliminary survey. Drilling will be carried out later after there are preliminary survey results that do not touch sacred areas or conservation forests. All stages will be carried out in a transparent and participatory manner," added Eniya.

The government also emphasized that PSPE activities will not be carried out before the hearing, socialization, and open discussion processes with all stakeholders are completed first. By considering all social, cultural and environmental aspects, the implementation of PSPE Jenawi will certainly not be carried out in 2025.

"We want to ensure that all processes run with full caution and acceptance from 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," concluded Eniya.