ice President Jusuf Kalla has expressed hope that state-owned energy company PT Geo Dipa Energi will be able to boost the development of geothermal energy to help the government achieve its energy sector target.
“I am happy to hear the progress. I’m still keeping my hopes up that Geo Dipa will continue to help the government develop clean electricity,” said Kalla as reported by tribunnews.com on Friday after a meeting with the company’s management in his office.
The Vice President stressed the importance of immediately expanding geothermal power plants in Dieng, Central Java, and in Patuha, West Java.
Meanwhile, Geo Dipa president director Riki Ibrahim said he had explained to Kalla about the progress in the Dieng and Patuha power plant projects, which would have capacities of 100 megawatts (MW) and 175 MW, respectively, by 2021.
He also expressed the readiness of Geo Dipa to accept new geothermal power plant projects because the company had adequate human resources to develop downstream energy to downstream businesses.
The company’s long-term plan was to develop 1,100 MW of geothermal energy by 2030, Riki added.
Read also: World Bank gives Indonesia $55.25m to develop geothermal power)
During the meeting, Riki also spoke about the company’s legal dispute with PT Bumigas Energi concerning the cancelation for joint development of the two power plants. “The legal problem with Bumigas has disrupted efforts to accelerate the two projects,” He said.
The Attorney General, Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Development Finance Comptroller (BPKP) are investigating possible state losses from the dispute. (bbn)
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.