6 Years Of PLTP Development Permit, Jokowi: I'm Not Strong

Jokowi (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo admitted that he was surprised by the length of time the permit for the establishment of the Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) took 5 to 6 years.

Jokowi said that he had visited at least 4 PLTP locations in Indonesia, but he was surprised by the great potential and had been done but did not run quickly because of the length of the required permit.

"If I'm not strong, I'm not strong. Although many say I'm patient, waiting 6 years isn't strong," said Jokowi in his remarks on the agenda of the 10th Indonesia International Geothermal Convention and Exhibition (IIGCE) at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) Wednesday, September 18.

Jokowi said that Indonesia has the potential of 24,000 MW of geothermal energy but has only been utilized by 11 percent. With the length of licensing, he is worried that many investors will leave this green electricity project

"Because if you wait, imagine to start construction for 5-6 years. I know if people are not patient, if the investors can't wait, maybe they don't want to do it, wait up to 6 years," he explained.

As a country with geothermal potential of 40 percent of the world's total potential, Jokowi said that Indonesia has many opportunities to be developed because currently only 11 percent are utilized from the existing potential.

In addition, he said, Indonesia is committed to being an important part of the world's steps in building a green economy in developing a green industry and the transition to a green economy.

Jokowi also realizes that the challenges faced in developing this potential are related to price affordability.

"Always have problems there. Then justice is access for the community. Then the use of technology is not open so it is not optimal," he concluded.