Indonesia's Geothermal Potential Reaches 24,000 MW, Jokowi Surprised the Development is Slow

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo admitted that he was surprised by the slow process of developing Geothermal Power Plants (PLTP) in Indonesia. In fact, he said, Indonesia has a potential of up to 24,000 MW and this power plant does not depend on the season and weather.

This was conveyed by Jokowi after visiting 3 PLTP locations and finding many investors interested in investing their capital in the development of PLTP in the country

"And it was discovered as conveyed by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (Bahlil Lahadalia) that it turns out that starting construction from the beginning to licensing matters can take 5-6 years," said Jokowi in his remarks at the 10th Indonesia International Geothermal Convention and Exhibition (IIGCE) at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) on Wednesday, September 18.

According to him, this licensing matter must be fixed so that the potential of 24,000 MW can be utilized quickly. Furthermore, until now the potential that has been developed is only 11 percent of the total potential that exists.

With fast licensing, he said, the construction of PLTP can proceed quickly so that investors can come and invest their capital in the Republic of Indonesia.

"Because if you wait, imagine just starting construction takes 5-6 years. Well, if people are impatient, they will not be willing to work and wait for 6 years. If I can't stand it, even though many say I am patient, I can't stand waiting for 6 years," he explained.

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On the other hand, Jokowi continued, in developing green energy, many countries face challenges in the form of affordable prices, fair access to energy for the community and the use of technology that is not open so that it is not optimal.

"I understand that the business world must have its own calculations, have its own calculations and considerations regarding turnover, problems related to profits. This is what must be thought about together," said Jokowi.