Gunung Ungaran geothermal development should be assessed objectively

Plans to develop the Gunung Ungaran Geothermal Power Plant should be assessed objectively and through comprehensive studies, Indonesian public policy observer Agus Pambagio said.

The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry has granted a geothermal work area at Gunung Ungaran to state-owned PT PLN. The project forms part of Indonesia’s development of new and renewable energy and its effort to advance cleaner energy amid global geopolitical uncertainty.

Pambagio said communities had no need to worry if every stage followed applicable rules and standards, especially on environmental protection, sustainability, safety and the safeguarding of areas important to local people. He said clean-energy development should continue, but must take community and environmental interests into account.

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In principle, clean-energy development must continue while taking the interests of communities and the environment into account.

He said concerns should be answered through transparent information, accountable studies and good communication between the government, developer and community. Cultural heritage near the development area, he added, must be an important part of planning. The project’s location and implementation should not disturb or damage sites with historical and cultural value.

“Provided that the site selection and implementation follow cultural heritage protection rules and the findings of the studies, God willing, this will be a blessing for the nation,” Pambagio said.

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Provided that the site selection and implementation follow cultural heritage protection rules and the findings of the studies, God willing, this will be a blessing for the nation.