Realization Of RI's Geothermal Bonus Reaches IDR 950 Billion

Geothermal (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) noted that until 2024, the realization of production bonus funds from geothermal fields in Indonesia has reached a significant figure, which is more than IDR 950 billion since 2015.

Director General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE), Eniya Listiyani Dewi revealed that the use of geothermal production bonus funds by the Regional Government includes several areas such as improving public infrastructure, building educational and health facilities, developing local economics, and building clean water installations.

"The bonus of geothermal production plays a strategic role in improving the welfare of the community, especially those around the geothermal power plant project," said Eniya, Thursday, October 24.

With the distribution of the funds that are right on target, said Eniya, the local community can feel the direct impact of geothermal energy management through infrastructure development, provision of public facilities and increasing access to education and health.

Eniya said several geothermal projects that contributed greatly to realizing production bonus funds included the Kamojang, Patuha, Darajat, Wayang Windu, and Salak geothermal fields in West Java. Other areas are geothermal fields in Ulubelu, Lumut Balai, Muaralaboh, Sorik Marapi, and Sarulla in North Sumatra, as well as several other fields in Nusa Tenggara and Sulawesi such as Lahendong.

Eniya also reminded the geothermal development business entity that the use of geothermal production bonuses must pay attention to potential social issues that can arise, such as the issue of inequality in distribution of benefits, environmental disturbances, and public misunderstanding regarding geothermal projects.

"Management of this production bonus must apply the principles of accountability, transparency and active participation of the community. Community involvement in every stage of decision-making related to the use of production bonus funds will strengthen a sense of shared ownership and responsibility in maintaining the sustainability of geothermal projects and the long-term benefits produced," said Eniya.